Dragoman

Dragoman (from Arab. tarjumân, 'interpreter'; cf. TARGUM), the general name given in Eastern countries to an interpreter, or to a guide to foreigners. The dragoman is, however, much more than the Italian cicerone, or the French commissionnaire or valet de place. In Syria, for example, he is a contractor for the management of expeditions, and undertakes to solve all the difficulties that arise between the traveller and the natives. The dragomans attached to embassies have special privileges. 'Student-dragomans' is a term sometimes given to 'student-interpreters' preparing for the consular service in the East. See CONSUL.