Face of Defense: Army Interpreter Links Cultures With Language

Face of Defence ^ | Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott, USA

[SandRat]

BAGHDAD, Dec. 30, 2008 – A deployed soldier is helping to bridge the gap between two cultures by serving as an interpreter in Iraq.

Army Spc. Mohamed Dawoud, an interpreter/translator with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, interprets information for a U.S. and Iraqi soldier. Courtesy photo  
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Spc. Mohamed Dawoud, interpreter/translator with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, said he was led into his career path by his love for country and by a television show.

“I was watching television, and this lady was crying because she lost her son,” the New Jersey native said. “Her son died because he did not understand the cultures and customs here. I want to inform everyone about what they can and cannot do here to keep themselves safe.”

Each morning, Dawoud searches the Internet and watches Arabic TV news outlets to stay informed about what is going on within his area of operations. He uses the information to brief his team about current events and to provide situational awareness.

“When we go on mission, I am prepared, so in the event we need to stop, I can get out of the vehicle and talk to people to find out what the situation may be,” he said. “I carry a loudspeaker so that if I need to talk to a large group of people I can do that.”

Dawoud also translates for squad members as they move to various destinations. If he notices new signs or graffiti, he translates them so his team members are aware of possible danger ahead. After arrival, Dawoud either assists his squad members with their objectives or translates for brigade leadership during meetings.

“I have to walk a fine line and pay attention to not only the words spoken, but also to the body language and gestures that are made,” he said. “If I don’t, I am not doing a good job, and the true meaning of what is being said will be lost.”

Dawoud also conducts cultural briefings. “Everyone needs to know everything about the Iraqi people and how the Iraqi government works,” he said. “For example, when you see a female, what and how are you going to say an Arabic word that will respectfully assure them, to not offend them?”

Dawoud also is available to translate documents for other sections of the brigade.

“In my opinion, I believe that we could not do our mission without interpreters like Dawoud,” Army Master Sgt. Mike “Top” Barnes, police transition team noncommissioned officer in charge and a native of Elmira, N.Y., said. “With our mission, we rely heavily on [interpreters] for translation of documents as well as for our conversations with the Iraqi police officials. Their expertise allows us to carry out our brigade commander’s intent and vision without losing anything in translation.”

Dawoud has extended his tour with the brigade to provide continuity between both of the command teams.

“I’m proud of what I do,” he said. “It doesn’t matter when I go home, because my family and friends are proud of me. I feel like I’m accomplished, and I am very happy in my job.”

(Army Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott serves in the 8th Military Police Brigade public affairs office.)

Related Sites:
Multinational Corps Iraq

Army Spc. Mohamed Dawoud, an interpreter/translator with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, receives information for an upcoming mission from Army Command Sgt. Maj. Norwood Patterson III, senior enlisted leader of the brigade, Dec. 20, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott   Download screen-resolution    Download high-resolution

[SandRat]

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[sergeantdave]

Little known tidbit.

During Viet-nam, the Army’s Defense Language Institute out of Monterey, CA, set up satellite language instruction posts at the Marine base in El Toro, MCAS.

The courses were intensive 10 week schools staffed by Army, Marine and native Vietnamese speakers to teach Marines the language, both north and south dialects.

The classes would start out with maybe 14 to 18 Marines, but by the fifth week half the class had washed out. The curriculum was intensive and required at least 4 to 6 hours of study at the barracks after an eight hour class in Vietnamese language instruction. Tests in language proficieny were required everyday. Tough school.

The proposition never equaled the intensive language training undergone by the Army’s Special Forces in their specialized training back in the 1960s, but it started to recognize the need for Marines to learn the language of the enemy they were fighting.

[PurpleMan]

It’s only taken them three years to fill the gap.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,144375,00.html

Military Has Discharged 26 Gay Linguists
Friday , January 14, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO —

The number of Arabic linguists discharged from the military for violating its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is higher than previously reported, according to records obtained by a research group.
The group contends the records show that the military — at a time when it and U.S. intelligence agencies don’t have enough Arabic speakers — is putting its anti-gay stance ahead of national security.

Between 1998 and 2004, the military discharged 20 Arabic and six Farsi speake

[PurpleMan]

It’s only taken them three years to fill the gap.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,144375,00.html

Military Has Discharged 26 Gay Linguists
Friday , January 14, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO —

The number of Arabic linguists discharged from the military for violating its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is higher than previously reported, according to records obtained by a research group.
The group contends the records show that the military — at a time when it and U.S. intelligence agencies don’t have enough Arabic speakers — is putting its anti-gay stance ahead of national security.

Between 1998 and 2004, the military discharged 20 Arabic and six Farsi speake

[flowerplough]

number of Arabic linguists discharged from the military for violating its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is higher than previously reported, according to records obtained by a research group.
The group contends the records show that the military — at a time when it and U.S. intelligence agencies don’t have enough Arabic speakers — is putting its anti-gay stance ahead of national security.

So there's some kinda predeliction toward expressing and admitting a preference for other men's bungholes 'mongst the Arabically-inclined? Sounds like these linguists lacked the cunning to not tell.

[G8 Diplomat]

Knowledge of the language and culture of the area of interest helps immensley to get the job—whether defense or analysis of events—done right.

Iraqi Culture 101

-When sitting, don’t expose the soles of your shoes (or throw them at anyone...). Shoes are synonymous with disrespect
-Also when sitting, don’t cross your legs, slouch, or lean
-Don’t step or lean away from an Iraqi—it’s considered offensive
-Don’t give the thumbs up (applies in any Arab country, plus Iran)—it is the equivalent of the middle finger
-Firing a gun straight up into the air is a way of celebrating
-Always thank your host a lot, ask them how their family is doing, and wish them well; don’t appear anxious to leave
-Your host will keep serving you food unless you ask them to stop
-Admitting “I don’t know” is shameful
-Don’t praise an Iraqi’s possessions too much; he might give you them and ask for something of equal value in return
-If you ask for an Iraqi’s opinion on a specific issue, he may tell you what he thinks you want to hear, rather than what his opinion really is
-Point with your entire hand, not your index finger
-Don’t shake hands with your left hand, and only shake a woman’s fingertips
-Don’t talk to a woman unless she initiates the conversation
-In countries with presidents or PMs, they wear a black and white kufiyah (that sheet on their heads) if they have made the hajj...if they haven’t, they wear a plain white one
-Iraqis, and Arabs in general, have a very slow approach to time. If someone tells you he’ll meet you at 10, you may not see him till 1.

[PapaBear3625]

-Admitting “I don’t know” is shameful

And the cause of much lack of progress in Arab cultures.

[sarasmom]

The ragheads have “societal/cultural issues” regarding normal human heterosexual relationships.

These “issues” mandate the absolute subjugation of females, and allow for all forms of deviant sexuality, including bestiality, pedophilia, gang rape etc.

So yes, I can understand exactly why many Arabic linguists would be unwelcome in general USA military circles.

After all, many USA troops have actually seen their culture in action. Not much more needs to be “explained” anymore.
It is what it is, and it is not deserving of “cultural respect”.

[G8 Diplomat]

Yup