Diego de Valera's Letters: Language and Persuasion

This paper sets out to analyse the linguistic resources used by Valera in his letters with the specific purpose of persuading the recipient of the usefulness of his advice or promoting his ideas on ethical or moral issues. The study focuses on three important aspects from a pragmatic perspective: the features of formal language variety, which project an image of Valera as a cultivated courtier; the internal coherence of the discourse (adaptation to the epistolary genre moulds and use of discursive connection resources); and, finally, the linguistic mitigation strategies, aimed at protecting his own image and that of the recipient. In a political landscape as complex as that of the 15th century, Valera's skills in managing these resources enhance his image as a skilled advisor and reinforces the persuasive message of his letters.