Life & Language: July Linguist Spotlight

Good food. Literature. Translation. Travel.

While these words may remind you of a visit to your favorite blog, they also represent a TLC linguist’s story.

Tariq Imian, an Arabic translator, consistently delivers week in and week out. He works primarily as one of our primary translators for a high-volume client that requires timely and detail-oriented translations.

Learn more about Tariq in this month’s Linguist Spotlight.

Teneo Linguistics Company: Please provide your name and job title (and names of any pets you have):

Tariq Imian: My name is Tariq Imian. My friends in the UK call me “Tazman” or “Taz”. I have no idea why.

TLC: Please describe your formal education, past and current:

TI: I have a master’s degree in Translation from the University of Jordan and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Translation from the University of Mu’tah. I also have a Diploma in Military Science and Leadership from the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst / UK.

TLC: What is your native and first language(s)? Into which languages do you translate or interpret?

TI: My native language is Arabic. The Arabic language, since it was first spoken in the 8th Century B.C., has significantly evolved to its modern form, including 12 dialects spoken in 28 countries around the world. This makes translation from English into Arabic and vice versa a very challenging but enjoyable process.

TLC: In which countries have you lived?

TI: I live in Jordan but spent some time in the UK, Germany, Cyprus and the US.

TLC: Where is your favorite place in the world?

TI: My favorite place in the world is all kinds of restaurants. I am fond of good food and nice company. My favorite food is Mediterranean and Mexican. I also try to stay away from British food as possible.

TLC: What are your favorite hobbies or interests?

TI: My hobbies and interests are reading literature (my favorite books are Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, Angels and Demons and Mark Twain. I also like to read for Edgar Allan Poe), travelling, watching old movies (my favorite ones are The Green Mile, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and The Godfather Part 1). I am also interested in all kinds of sports (mainly soccer and basketball).

TLC: What is an accomplishment you are proud of?

TI: Surviving (The Royal Military Academy of) Sandhurst.

TLC: Please reflect on your experience (so far) with TLC.

TI: I love working for TLC. The team is very professional and friendly, they helped me whenever I needed help. (Hana and Kim thank you very much for your patience and cooperation).

TLC: Lastly, if you had a super power, what would it be and why?

TI: I wish I had the super power of “Healing”. I wish all diseases in the world (would) disappear.