Language in diplomacy

Language versatility, as Kaufmann calls it, can be consid­ered an important aspect of adaptability. Although English has ousted French as the predominant means of communication in diplomacy, the latter's use and that of other languages is still very important and useful. The effort to try to address a counter­part in their native tongue can yield instant credit, which might otherwise not be obtained. Moreover, the ability to shift instant­ly from one language to another gives any person an edge. When colleagues are less capable in this respect, it places them auto­matically in an intermediary position, which can be subsequent­ly exploited.