Crossword Genius

Declarations of country people initially talking shop (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

statements

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'declarations' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'country people initially talking shop' is the wordplay.
'country' becomes 'state' (synonyms).
'people' becomes 'men' (men are people).
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letters of 'talking shop' is 'ts'.
'state'+'men'+'ts'='STATEMENTS'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for statements that I've seen before include "Assertions" , "Accounts made to police" , "Affirmations" .)

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