In 2368 Picard and the Tamarian captain Dathon were stranded on El-Adrel IV, where Picard learned to understand the Tamarian language of metaphor.
The Tamarians spoke only through references to their own myths and history, which made earlier attempts at contact fail. In 2368 the Tamarian captain Dathon beamed himself and Picard to the surface of El-Adrel IV and blocked any rescue, hoping a shared danger would let them understand each other.
Facing a dangerous creature together, Picard began to understand Dathon's references, including the tale of Darmok and Jalad. Dathon was badly wounded and died. Picard used what he had learned to speak with the Tamarian crew, which opened peaceful relations.