July 26, 2001

1:54 PM

Navajo Code Talkers honoredAs indigenous languages die out all over the world, it's especially nice to see some recognition for the Navajo code talkers. There's also a dictionary here.
posted by judith (6 comments total)

I can think of no finer tribute than a new John Woo movie.
posted by jga at 2:02 PM on July 26, 2001

Don't forget "Navajo Code Talker" G.I. Joe. Judith, I found the dictionary link to be pretty interesting since it includes the literal translation for the words as well. They had to work a bit to get all the words they would need for their work:

FIGHTER PLANE - DA-HE-TIH-HI - HUMMING BIRD
DELIVER - BE-BIH-ZIHDE - DEER LIVER

Neat.
posted by eckeric at 2:33 PM on July 26, 2001

Hey they were already honoured in several X-files episodes, c'mon, what more do they want? I'd be happy with that!!!
posted by DiplomaticImmunity at 3:05 PM on July 26, 2001

Good post, Judith. It kind of galls me, though, that their work was declassified back in '68 but we had to wait until almost all of them had passed away before officially acknowledging their efforts. But late really is better than never.
posted by Bixby23 at 7:43 PM on July 26, 2001

it's about time. these fellows deserve all the recognition they get.
posted by bwg at 2:25 AM on July 27, 2001

What about recognition for the Apache code writers, huh? Do you know how many web servers are running their software?

(Sorry, cheap joke...)
posted by carobe at 2:30 PM on July 27, 2001