Some considerations on the linguistic variation in Dragomans’ writings, SOAS University of London
Channel: SOAS University of London
Date: 2016-03-23

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This Linguistics seminar titled "Some considerations on the linguistic variation in Dragomans’ writings" was given by Cristina Muru (University of Tuscia) at SOAS University of London on 23 February 2016.

You can find out more about this event at http://goo.gl/yLLJ5w

During the Humanism and Renaissance periods, up until early Modern times, the “Italian” language (in its Italo-Romance varieties) played a crucial role. It was widely circulated outside Italy as it was one of the languages adopted for diplomatic relations and commercial transactions throughout the Mediterranean area and in the Levant. Nevertheless, other languages were used alongside the “Italian" language in the making of such relations, such as Arabic, Persian and Turkish, among others.

Accordingly, by the early 16th century a variety of people were being used as interpreters throughout the Venetian maritime empire. However, it was not until the mid 16th century that an important distinction emerged between the two professions of interpreter and Public Dragoman (an adaptation of the Ottoman office). The latter became the official interpreters who were either employed by the Venetian Board of Trade to assist Ottomans visiting Venice, used to travel with the ambassadors to the Porte during diplomatic missions, or who resided in Istanbul in the Bailo’s household.

In a short time, Dragomans started playing a crucial part in the exchange and interchange between the Republic of Venice and the Ottoman Empire, and soon their role went beyond the mere role of interpreter thanks to their ability in connecting two worlds and two cultures.

Given this premise, this research seeks to investigate the variety of “Italian” used by and among the Dragomans. I will consider the linguistic variation and its fluctuation which may be determined either by the addresser or by the typology of text. Particular attention will be given to the role played by Dragomans in delivering written texts.