dragoman

/'drægoumən/

Thân thiện

A dragoman translates for a European traveler in a bustling marketplace.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An interpreter and guide in the Near East: A "dragoman" is a person who acts as an interpreter and guide, historically in countries of the Near East, such as the Ottoman Empire.
   • A translator for authorities: Specifically, in the 18th and 19th centuries Ottoman Empire, a dragoman was an official translator of European languages for Turkish and Arab authorities, with many such positions held by Greeks.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The European diplomat relied on his dragoman to communicate with the local pasha.
  • Many dragomans were highly educated individuals who facilitated trade and diplomacy.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Role: The term is almost exclusively historical, referring to a specific professional and social class within the Ottoman administrative system.
  • The office of the Chief Dragoman was a position of significant political influence.

Variants and Related Words

• Dragomans (n): The standard plural form of "dragoman."
  • The consulate employed several dragomans.

Synonyms

• Interpreter: A person who translates speech orally.
• Translator: A person who translates written text or speech.
• Guide: A person who leads or shows the way to others, especially in a foreign place.

Related Phrases

• Chief Dragoman: The head interpreter in an embassy or consulate, often a high-ranking official.
  • The Chief Dragoman negotiated the treaty's terms.

Notes

• The role of a dragoman was not merely linguistic but also involved cultural mediation and often considerable political power, especially in the Ottoman Empire.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an interpreter and guide in the Near East; in the Ottoman Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries a translator of European languages for the Turkish and Arab authorities and most dragomans were Greek (many reached high positions in the government)