Konvence

Konvence is a term used to describe conventions—patterns of expected behavior or agreed rules that organize social life. It can refer to unwritten social norms as well as formal agreements among individuals, organizations, or states. In this sense, konvente covers both everyday etiquette and more formal commitments that guide interaction and cooperation.

Etymologically, konvence derives from the idea of convention, with cognates in several European languages. The word typically carries a dual sense: it can denote courteous conduct and customary practices, as well as agreements, treaties, or standards that regulate conduct across groups or jurisdictions. The exact emphasis depends on the linguistic and cultural context.

Konvente appear in different contexts. Social konvensjoner govern everyday behavior, such as greetings, dress, and dining manners. Legal or diplomatic konvensjoner refer to formal agreements or treaties that establish rights, obligations, and procedures among states or organizations. Technical or scientific konventioner describe standard practices, measurement conventions, data formats, or citation styles that enable interoperability and clear communication within a field.

Conventions arise from shared interests, mutual expectations, or deliberate negotiation. They provide predictability, reduce misunderstandings, and lower transaction costs. They may be informal and voluntary, sustained by social norms and reputational considerations, or codified in treaties, standards, or guidelines with binding authority within particular communities or institutions. They can evolve as technologies, cultures, or relations change.

Examples of konvence include international conventions such as those governing diplomatic relations or intellectual property, social etiquette in everyday interactions, and professional standards like citation formats or data-notation conventions. The term emphasizes the dual nature of conventions as both informal norms and formal agreements that structure cooperation and communication. See also: convention, etiquette, norm, treaty, standard.