The Jarada are a reclusive, insect-like species native to the planet Torona IV. The Jarada are known for their idiosyncratic attitude toward protocol and especially for their peculiar language. The slightest mispronunciation of thier language by an outsider is regarded as an insult.
The Jaradans were strategically important to the Federation during the mid-24th century. Previous attempts with the race failed because they are so easily irritated. In order to have a successful contact with the Jaradans, they demand a precise greeting, by the Federation's emissary.
2344 marked the last encounter with the Jaradans. A slip in the pronunciation of the greeting caused a twenty-year rift between the two organizations. Reports from the last Federation starship that attempted contact with the Jaradan exist only in the form of record tapes. These tapes graphically demonstrated what happened when that ship's captain offended the Jaradan; a mistake the Federation wished not to repeat.
In 2364, the USS Enterprise-D would conduct a diplomatic mission to the Jaradan homeworld, where Jean-Luc Picard was to make a brief but necessary contact with the Jarada, in an attempt to mend their rift.
Upon approach of the Jaradan sector, one of their long-range probes disrupted the holodeck systems on the ship. Following their probe, they would send a subspace message to the Enterprise, requesting to speak with Picard, who was, unfortunately trapped in the now malfunctioning holodeck. His first officer Commander Riker attempted to explain the delay to the Jarada, but they refused to speak to a mere subordinate.
Fortunately, by the time the Enterprise achieved orbit of the Jaradan homeworld, Picard was able to overcome the delay and is able to successfully make the delivery. In doing so, he honored the Jaradans with his words of greeting, and allowed a new day to dawn between the two organizations. (TNG: "The Big Goodbye")
By 2365 the Pakleds had made contact with the Jarada. The Pakled transport, Mondor, appeared to possess Jaradan technology. (TNG: "Samaritan Snare")
- The "J" in Jarada is pronounced as an "H", and the species name is pronounced "Ha-RA-da"