Said Amir Zadran
Woodbridge
Summary
Skilled journalist and experienced linguist with outstanding language abilities in English, Russian, Pashto, Waziri, Khosti, Dari, Persian, and Tajiki.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Pashto/Dari linguist
Mission Essential
02.2018 - 05.2022
- Physical Location: 1940 airway Blvd, El Paso, TX, 79925.
Pashto/Dari linguist
CWU
02.2018 - 05.2022
- Key Skills: Multilingual Translation, Training, Multilingual Written and Oral Communication.
- Responsibilities: Pashto/Dari languages related material to summarize, verbatim, translate, analyze, monitor, review and analysis of classified information. Oral and written translation of time sensitive data, real time translation of conversations. Reporting information in accurate details and summary.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Improved language skills and understanding of cultural and regional aspects of Afghanistan and the United States of America.
- Reviewed classified and unclassified report data.
Pashto/Dari Instructor
Comprehensive Language Center, INC
04.2016 - 07.2016
- Supervisor: Malika Bichri Phone number: 703-247-0704
- Key Skills: Teaching, Instruction, Foreign Language, Multilingual, Program Development, Training, Writing, Presentations, Pashto, Dari, Communication, Scheduling, Supervision, Military Courses, Curriculum, Broadcasts, News Reports, Learning Materials
- Responsibilities: Planned and taught courses in Pashto as a Second Language, Dari as a Second Language and Afghan Culture. Aligned coursework with Defense Language Institute (DLI) curriculum and teaching practices. Engaged and challenged students through classroom discussions, presentations and news broadcasts. Conducted written and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tests weekly and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) biweekly. Monitored and documented progress.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Improved language skills and understanding by presenting real-world broadcasts and reports from BBC and VOA news agencies.
Driver
Uber
09.2014 - 03.2016
- Email: partnersdc@uber.com
Pashto/Dari Instructor
Comprehensive Language Center, INC.
09.2015 - 12.2015
- Supervisor: Malika Bichri Phone number: 703-247-0704
- Key Skills: Teaching, Instruction, Foreign Language, Multilingual, Program Development, Training, Writing, Presentations, Pashto, Dari, Communication, Scheduling, Supervision, Military Courses, Curriculum, Broadcasts, News Reports, Learning Materials
- Responsibilities: Planned and taught courses in Pashto as a Second Language, Dari as a Second Language and Afghan Culture. Aligned coursework with Defense Language Institute (DLI) curriculum and teaching practices. Engaged and challenged students through classroom discussions, presentations and news broadcasts. Conducted written and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tests weekly and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) biweekly. Monitored and documented progress.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Improved language skills and understanding by presenting real-world broadcasts and reports from BBC and VOA news agencies.
Pashto/Dari and Afghan culture instructor
Multilingual Solutions
04.2013 - 05.2015
- Supervisor: David D. Putnam Phone Number: 910-583-4499 Physical Address: 33 Holcomb Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC, USA.
- Key Skills: Teaching, Instruction, Foreign Language, Multilingual, Program Development, Training, Writing, Presentations, Pashto, Dari, Communication, Scheduling, Supervision, Military Courses, Curriculum, Broadcasts, News Reports, Learning Materials
- Responsibilities: Planned and taught courses in Pashto as a Second Language, Dari as a Second Language and Afghan Culture. Aligned coursework with Defense Language Institute (DLI) curriculum and teaching practices. Engaged and challenged students through classroom discussions, presentations and news broadcasts. Conducted written and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tests weekly and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) biweekly. Monitored and documented progress.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Improved language skills and understanding by presenting real-world broadcasts and reports from BBC and VOA news agencies.
- Reviewed and skillfully revised course books for the Advanced Linguist Pashto Course and Advanced Linguist Dari Course book (units 1-13) to improve language education for the United States Marine Corps.
- Led and inspired students to achieve Level II in OPT tests.
Driver
Pizza Hut
07.2014 - 12.2014
Dari Language Instructor
DC Internationals LLC, Middle East South Asia Language
09.2014 - 10.2014
- Address: 33 Holcomb Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC, USA.
- Supervisor: Ross Kaplan Phone number: 917-533-9312
- Email: ross@dcinternationals.com
- Key Skills: Teaching and auditing Dari language material. Instruction, Foreign Language, Multilingual, Program Development, Training, Writing, Presentations, Dari, Communication, Scheduling, Courses, Curriculum, Learning Materials.
- Responsibilities: Taught and edited courses in Dari as a second language and Afghan Culture. Engaged and challenged students through classroom discussions, presentations and news broadcasts. Conducted written and Oral Proficiency Interview tests weekly and exams biweekly. Monitored and documented progress.
Driver
Tazo Pizza
08.2014 - 10.2014
- Supervisor: Joseph
Afghan Culture/Pashto/Dari Role-player
Mid Atlantic Professionals
06.2014 - 07.2014
- Supervisor: Ramzy Haddad
- Responsibilities: Playing a role to demonstrate US military visual representative of a scenario in Afghanistan. Go over everyday used pharases/vocabulary/provers/sayings. As well as going over the different slangs in different regions of Afghanistan.
Pashto/Dari and Afghan culture instructor
Comprehensive Language Center
07.2011 - 04.2013
- Supervisor: Irina Brooks Phone Number: 910-3205823
- Key Skills: Teaching, Instruction, Foreign Language, Multilingual, Program Development, Training, Writing, Presentations, Pashto, Dari, Communication, Scheduling, Supervision, Military Courses, Curriculum, Broadcasts, News Reports, Learning Materials
- Responsibilities: Planned and taught courses in Pashto as a Second Language, Dari as a Second Language and Afghan Culture. Aligned coursework with Defense Language Institute (DLI) curriculum and teaching practices. Engaged and challenged students through classroom discussions, presentations and news broadcasts. Conducted written and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tests weekly and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) biweekly. Monitored and documented progress.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Improved language skills and understanding by presenting real-world broadcasts and reports from BBC and VOA news agencies.
- Reviewed and skillfully revised course books for the Advanced Linguist Pashto Course and Advanced Linguist Dari Course book (units 1-13) to improve language education for the United States Marine Corps.
- Led and inspired students to achieve Level II in OPT tests.
Pashto/Dari and Afghan culture instructor
Mi Languages
02.2010 - 06.2011
- Supervisor: Jo-Ann Herrera Phone Number: 910-578-9966 or 910-450-9528 or 910-450-9530 Address: 994 Douglas Ave, Altamonte Spring, FL, 32714.
- Key Skills: Teaching, Instruction, Foreign Language, Multilingual, Program Development, Training, Writing, Presentations, Pashto, Dari, Communication, Scheduling, Supervision, Military Courses, Curriculum, Broadcasts, News Reports, Learning Materials
- Responsibilities: Planned and taught courses in Pashto as a Second Language, Dari as a Second Language and Afghan Culture. Aligned coursework with Defense Language Institute (DLI) curriculum and teaching practices. Engaged and challenged students through classroom discussions, presentations and news broadcasts. Conducted written and Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) tests weekly and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT) biweekly. Monitored and documented progress.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Improved language skills and understanding by presenting real-world broadcasts and reports from BBC and VOA news agencies.
- Reviewed and skillfully revised course books for the Advanced Linguist Pashto Course and Advanced Linguist Dari Course book (units 1-13) to improve language education for the United States Marine Corps.
- Led and inspired students to achieve Level II in OPT tests.
Driver
Domino’s Pizza
01.2007 - 02.2010
Driver
Szehuann Inn Resturant
01.2006 - 02.2010
Substitute teacher
Hampton City Public School
03.2006 - 01.2007
Journalist/Correspondent
Voice Of America
11.2001 - 08.2005
- Key Skills: Reporting, News Stories, Radio, Television, Broadcasting, Journalist, Pashto Language, Dari, Translation, Feature Stories, News Coverage, Writing, Presentation, Program Development, Analytical Commentary
- Responsibilities: Reported, wrote and presented news reports on politics, economics and cultural issues from Afghanistan and Central Asia. Prepared and translated information into clear, succinct broadcasts for radio and television. Broadcasted news and provided analytical commentary and political perspectives in Pashto and Dari.
- Selected Accomplishments:
- Successfully presented live and taped broadcasts in Pashto on VOA radio, and analytical/political commentary in Pashto and Dari on BBC and VOA radio- television.
- Expertly prepared, reviewed and produced relevant news stories that captured the attention of viewers/listeners and provided up-to-date information and insights on political, economic, cultural and social topics.
Education
Master of Science - Physics and Mathematics
Tashkent University
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics and Physics
Kabul University
Skills
- Semantic interpretation
- Cross-cultural communication
- Computational linguistics
- Lexicography proficiency
Accomplishments
- Delivered accurate real-time translations and cultural interpretations in Pashto, Dari, and other regional dialects, supporting U.S. military and government operations.
- Reviewed and analyzed classified/unclassified materials, ensuring precision in reporting and contributing to mission success.
- Developed and taught Pashto/Dari language and Afghan culture courses aligned with Defense Language Institute (DLI) standards, improving student proficiency and readiness.
- Conducted Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPI) and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT), successfully leading students to achieve higher proficiency levels.
- Revised and enhanced advanced Pashto and Dari linguist course books (Units 1–13) used by the U.S. Marine Corps, strengthening language training programs.
- Presented authentic real-world broadcasts and reports from BBC/VOA in the classroom to enhance student comprehension of language and culture.
- Reported and broadcasted news for Voice of America (VOA) and BBC, providing political, cultural, and economic insights to international audiences.
- Recognized with multiple Certificates of Appreciation by U.S. Marine Special Operations School for outstanding instruction and cultural expertise.
Awards
Certificate of Appreciation for Work as Journalist, Washington, DC, USA (2004), Certificate, Qualifier Exam for PhD, Tashkent, Uzbekistan (1997), Certificate of Appreciation, Commanding Officer, Marine Special Operations School, USA (2010-2011), (2011-2012) and (2012-2013)., Ecology Awareness Certificate Tashkent, Uzbekistan (1992 to 1993).
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Interpreter/Translator – English, Russian, Pashto, Khosti, Waziri, Dari, Persian, and Tajiki.
- Assistant Mathematics Professor, Lecturer and Instructor Kabul University, Kabul, Afghanistan
JOB-RELATED TRAINING
- Multilingual Solutions, Observed Pashto Language Class, Camp Lejeune, NC (2013)
- United States Marine Corps D.L. Bell Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps Acting Marine Special Operations School (2010, 2011 and 20112)
Timeline
Pashto/Dari linguist
Mission Essential
02.2018 - 05.2022
Pashto/Dari linguist
CWU
02.2018 - 05.2022
Pashto/Dari Instructor
Comprehensive Language Center, INC
04.2016 - 07.2016
Pashto/Dari Instructor
Comprehensive Language Center, INC.
09.2015 - 12.2015
Driver
Uber
09.2014 - 03.2016
Dari Language Instructor
DC Internationals LLC, Middle East South Asia Language
09.2014 - 10.2014
Driver
Tazo Pizza
08.2014 - 10.2014
Driver
Pizza Hut
07.2014 - 12.2014
Afghan Culture/Pashto/Dari Role-player
Mid Atlantic Professionals
06.2014 - 07.2014
Pashto/Dari and Afghan culture instructor
Multilingual Solutions
04.2013 - 05.2015
Pashto/Dari and Afghan culture instructor
Comprehensive Language Center
07.2011 - 04.2013
Pashto/Dari and Afghan culture instructor
Mi Languages
02.2010 - 06.2011
Driver
Domino’s Pizza
01.2007 - 02.2010
Substitute teacher
Hampton City Public School
03.2006 - 01.2007
Driver
Szehuann Inn Resturant
01.2006 - 02.2010
Journalist/Correspondent
Voice Of America
11.2001 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics and Physics
Kabul University
Master of Science - Physics and Mathematics
Tashkent University
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