DRAGOMAN Meaning and
Definition
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Dragoman is a noun that refers to an interpreter, guide, or official intermediary, specifically in the context of the Middle East or North Africa. Originating from the Middle French word "dragomans" and later from Turkish "tarjuman" meaning interpreter or translator, a dragoman usually assists in facilitating communication between individuals who speak different languages or come from different cultures.
In historical contexts, dragomans were particularly prevalent in the Ottoman Empire and Egypt during the time of the European expansion and colonialism. They were employed by European diplomats, merchants, explorers, or military personnel to bridge the language barrier and offer cultural insight, thus acting as go-betweens. These individuals were essential for establishing diplomatic relations, negotiating trade agreements, or acquiring local knowledge. Besides language interpretation, dragomans were also responsible for guiding foreigners through local customs, traditions, and laws.
The term "dragoman" can also encompass a broader meaning, signifying someone with extensive linguistic skills and deep knowledge of a culture. Today, the word is less commonly used and has been largely replaced by more general terms such as interpreter or translator. However, it retains its historical connotation and can still be encountered in literature or discussions relating to the Middle East and North Africa, shedding light on the crucial role these intermediaries played in the past.
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An interpreter-a word much used in the East.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DRAGOMAN
- sragoman
- xragoman
- cragoman
- fragoman
- rragoman
- eragoman
- deagoman
- ddagoman
- dfagoman
- dtagoman
- d5agoman
- d4agoman
- drzgoman
- drsgoman
- drwgoman
- drqgoman
- drafoman
- dravoman
- draboman
Etymology of DRAGOMAN
The word "dragoman" has its roots in the Arabic term "tarjuman", which means "translator" or "interpreter". The Arabic term, in turn, derived from the Middle Persian word "targumān", meaning "translator" or "interpreter". Through various linguistic influences and borrowings, the term passed into Greek as "dragōmanos" and then into Latin as "dragomanus". Ultimately, it found its way into English as "dragoman" in the 17th century. Originally, "dragoman" referred specifically to an interpreter or translator of Arabic or Turkish in the Ottoman Empire. Later, its meaning expanded to include anyone who acted as a cultural intermediary or interpreter in the East.
Similar spelling words for DRAGOMAN
- dragonhead,
- drag in,
- Dragan,
- drachma,
- Dreesman,
- drag on,
- dragon arum,
- dragon tree,
- dragonfly,
- dragnet,
- dragoon,
- dragon,
- dragonet.
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