DUBASH Meaning and
Definition
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Dubash is a term originating from South Asia, commonly used in India. It refers to a historical role or occupation which gained prominence during the colonial era. A dubash is typically an individual employed as an interpreter, middleman, or go-between in business negotiations, especially between European colonial powers and the local Indian population.
The term "dubash" comes from the combination of two words: "dub," which means "two" in Persian, and "bhasha," which means "language" in several Indian languages. Together, they represent a person skilled in multilingual communication.
Dubashes played a pivotal role in facilitating communication and understanding between European traders, officials, or colonial administrators and the locals. They possessed proficiency in multiple languages, including their native language, usually one or more Indian languages, as well as the language of the European colonizer, such as English, Portuguese, or Dutch. These individuals acted as translators, cultural intermediaries, and advisors, helping bridge the gap in language, customs, and business protocols.
Dubashes were highly valued for their linguistic abilities, knowledge of local customs, and understanding of commerce. They aided in negotiation processes, brokered deals, and enabled efficient transactions by ensuring smooth communication between the parties involved.
While the role of a dubash diminished with the decline of European colonization in South Asia, the term continues to be used to describe individuals involved in intercultural and linguistic mediation in various contexts.
Common Misspellings for DUBASH
- dubise
- fubash
- dybash
- dhbash
- djbash
- d8bash
- d7bash
- duvash
- dunash
- duhash
- dugash
- dubzsh
- dubssh
- dubwsh
- dubqsh
- dubaah
- dubazh
- dubaxh
- dubadh
- dubaeh
Etymology of DUBASH
The word "Dubash" is derived from the combination of two different words: "Dub" and "Ash".
1. "Dub": The term "Dub" comes from the Hindustani word "durbhash" or "durbasha", meaning "interpreter" or "language speaker". It originates from the Persian word "darbesh", which referred to someone skilled in languages or a polyglot. During the colonial period in India, the British adopted the term and anglicized it to "Dub".
2. "Ash": The word "Ash" is derived from the English word "hush" or "whisper". It is believed to have its origin in British colonizers' pronunciation and adaptation of the word "Hindustani", which was commonly spoken by the Dubash community.
