Language as Diplomacy: Cultural Exchange in Northeast Asia
Abstract
Beyond formal diplomatic channels, language and cultural exchange play a significant role in shaping perceptions and building trust among societies. This essay examines current programs and their research implications.
Language education programs, literary translation initiatives and academic exchange fellowships constitute a often-understudied dimension of international relations in Northeast Asia. These programs create networks of understanding that persist beyond political cycles.
The essay argues for greater academic attention to the role of multilingual competence in regional diplomacy and policy research.
Key Points
- Cultural exchange creates durable networks of cross-border understanding.
- Multilingual research is essential for accurate regional analysis.
References
- Volkova, E. (2025). Linguistic Bridges in Asian Diplomacy. Language & International Affairs, 3(1), 78–95.
About the Author
Dr. El…va
Visiting Scholar
Dr. Volkova specializes in comparative linguistics and cultural diplomacy in the Japan–Korea–Central Asia triangle. She contributes to TOLU's multilingual research publications.
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