tlhIngan-Hol Archive: Sat Sep 23 19:12:53 2000
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Navajo code-talkers
- From: [email protected]
- Subject: Navajo code-talkers
- Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 22:11:41 -0400 (EDT)
I'm reading Simon Singh's _The Code Book_, a book about the history
of cryptography, when I came across the use of Navajo as a kind of
"code" by the Americans during WWII. The following paragraph
might be of interest to Klingonists:
--- begin quote ---
The impenetrability of the Navajo code was all down to the fact
that Navajo belongs to the Na-Dene family of languages, which has
no link with any Asian or European language. For example, a Navajo
verb is conjugated not solely according to its subject, but also
according to its object. The verb ending depends on which category
the object beongs to: long (e.g., pipe, salt), bundled (e.g., hay),
viscous (e.g., mud, feces) and many others. The verb will also
incorporate adverbs, and will reflect whether or not the speaker
has experienced what he or she is talking about, or whether it is
hearsay. Consequently, a single verb can be equivalent to a
whole sentence, making it virtually impossible for foreigners to
disentangle its meaning. [...]
--- end quote ---
I seem to recall that Okrand studied Native American languages.
Does anyone have any info on whether he specifically based
parts of Klingon on Navajo, and which parts?
--
De'vID
(p.s. The book also describes the bravery of the Navajo. Despite
being ill-treated by the American government, they were
nevertheless willing to risk life and limb in defense of the
nation. Truly, the spirit of Kahless lives within these brave
warriors. SuvwI'pu'na'vam vIvan! not ta'meychaj DIlIjjaj!)
--
De'vID
--
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