Tarjomaan

Tarjomaan, often transliterated tarjomān, is a person who translates spoken or written language from one language into another. The word comes from Arabic tarjamān meaning "interpreter" or "translator" and is widely used in Persian and Urdu as well.

In practice, tarjomāns may work as interpreters who convey a speaker's message in real time, or as translators who render texts in written form. Some serve as sworn or certified translators, providing official translations of documents, contracts, and diplomas. Subfields include literary translation, technical translation, localization, and subtitling.

Translation involves balancing accuracy with style and cultural context. Interpreting requires rapid, accurate speech rendering, while literary translation emphasizes voice and nuance, and technical translation focuses on precise terminology. Modern practitioners often use computer-assisted translation tools and terminology databases to maintain consistency and efficiency.

Education and certification vary by country but typically involve higher education in languages or translation studies. Professional associations offer credentials and ethics guidelines. International standards such as ISO 17100 outline requirements for translation service providers, including staff qualifications, process controls, and quality management.

Historically, translation has enabled cross-cultural exchange across civilizations, from ancient courts to modern globalization. In the digital era, tarjomān also encompasses localization and machine-assisted translation, raising ongoing questions about quality, transparency, and the role of human translators.