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Dictionary definition of “terp”

terp

n. an interpreter. Subjects: English

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Citations: 1992 Miriam Clifford (dmimi@ecsvax.bitnet) Usenet: bit.listserv.deaf-l (Nov. 25) “Re: Question for all of you…”: One of the most pleasant and rewarding contacts we (husband and I) had with deaf signers was at a lunchj where one of the other hearing people who signed, (actually a terp, but off duty) was willing to both sign and voice interpret back and forth for us. 2002 David Zucchino @ Sardak, Afghanistan L.A Times (Oct. 13) “The Untold War” p. A1: With the help of a helmeted “terp”—an Afghan interpreter—the lieutenant explained that he had come to search for Al Qaeda and Taliban gunmen and weapons. 2004 Linda Robinson U.S. News & World Report (May 10) “The War In The Shadows” vol. 136, no. 16, p. 38: The “terp,” as the grunts call their Afghan interpreter, sums up the atmosphere. 2004 Sabrina Tavernise @ Baghdad, Iraq Times Argus (Barre, Vermont) (Sept. 19) “Hit men target Iraqis working for Americans”: Interpreters are referred to as “terps,” and are replaced in a seemingly endless flow of manpower as soon as they are killed.

Posted 20 Sep 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

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