A Flight into Time

Dear Khan Sahib:

[Greek nearly became the official language of the US.]
You might be off-the-mark here, since that does not seem to have happened. By some accounts, after the American Revolution there was talk of deposing the language of the “oppressor” in favor of German, French, Greek, or even Hebrew. Apparently, it was just talk and never a topic of serious discussion.

Another, more persistent urban legend is that German failed by a single vote to become the official language of the United States! Again, not true.

In fact, (although it would appear counter-intuitive) the U.S. has NO official language! (Not for the lack of trying by certain groups, however, especially more recently in response to the growing population of Spanish speakers.)

By the way, I really enjoy your articles (still going through them, though).

Sincerely,
BeeJay.

Beejay

About the language. You are right. It is just one of those things that you pick up and stays with you unconfirmed.

nhk

NHK hits it out of the park again...

Another great article. Like the one with the fighter in distress over the mountains, you can actually see yourself there..

Nazar Khan, this is truly interesting. Being married to a Greek and going to Greece every summer, I can appreciate your observations. My visits there over the years are not much different than yours except that I still don’t know whether my wife’s relatives are fighting or having a conversation.

Yassou

vintage nazar:)

1#beejay
Beejay

the American war of independence was british settlers revolt against their mother country because of “unjust” taxes. In many ways it was a civil war brother against brother so the issue of language didn’t arise.

Interesting.......

- Was Athena the Goddess of Wisdom, or Goddess of War. Or both.
- Was it Greek or German that almost became the official US language. I had heard it was German, which lost out by one vote, to English............

Have you ever had an emergency while flying an airliner. Not the simple kinds of emergencies, but the fighter flying type: engine on fire, structural damage, gears not coming down etc.........

Romair # 7

Yes. Once a false fire warning light when flying from Lahore to Dubai.

And once No. 4 Engine flamed out while taxying in and parking at JFK, New York.

nhk

Kulharee # 4

The Greeks, in fact the Mediterranean belt, is somewhat more Asiatic in culture - emotional, noisy, stronger family units - as compared to the Northern Europeans.

You are totally into the Greek culture - great!


nhk

You travel a lot.

Greek food is mouthwatering.

Reply to #6 by Aslam644: [the American war of independence was british settlers revolt against their mother country because of “unjust” taxes. In many ways it was a civil war brother against brother so the issue of language didn’t arise.]

Dear sir:

Thank you for your great nugget of wisdom educating me on the history of my adopted country and especially on that great manifestation of brotherly love (as you seem to regard it) - the American independence struggle! I will place that pearl of knowledge high on the pedestal where it belongs and longingly admire and revere it. It shall forever serve me as a source of guidance and inspiration (or, at least mirth).

Sincerely,
BeeJay.

BeeJay #11: wat is this ``war of independence``?? only war of independence happen in 1947 i think. america is ruling by Mr. kolumbus i think. He was mughal king i think. They also had famous muslim king, mr. Ibrahim or something like that. And what is this ``unjust taxis``?? how can taxis be unjust. ha! ha! but if taxis are unjust then you should complain to taxi driver. not go to war.

also Mr. BeeJay, greece very good country for pakistani foreign return. but their soldier wear frock like little girl. ha! ha!

Re: # 9

Khan Sahib, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have lived among Greek Americans for 2 decades and am an honorary Greek. As much as I get a kick out of Maniatis (in peliponissos, my wife’s ancestors) and Volos folks (in Pilion), my wife gets even a bigger kick out of Lahoris.

I very much enjoyed your story, keep them coming, and if you are ever in New York City, yell.

kulharee: Is it true sir that greece army soldier wearing frocks like little girls??

Re: # 15

I think you are talking about the Evzones who guard the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Parliament building. The Greek Soldiers of today’s army dress like any other Army and are just as gay.