The Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary stands as a testament to the ingenuity and invaluable contributions of the Navajo men who served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Their unique linguistic skills were harnessed to create an unbreakable code, vital for secure communication in the Pacific Theater. This article delves into the intricacies of the Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary, offering a descriptive overview of its structure, content, and the principles that underpinned its effectiveness.
The original Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary was declassified under Department of Defense Directive 5200.9, with a revised version dated June 15, 1945. This document, a historical artifact in its own right, provides a glimpse into the operational strategies and linguistic creativity employed by the Code Talkers.
The Alphabet: A Foundation of Navajo Words
At the heart of the code lay a substitution system for the English alphabet. Each letter was represented by one or more Navajo words, carefully selected for their distinct sound and ease of memorization. The selection was not random; the words were often drawn from everyday Navajo life, making them inherently familiar to the Code Talkers. Consider these examples:
- A: Represented by Wol-la-chee (Ant), Be-la-sana (Apple), or Tse-nill (Axe).
- B: Represented by Na-hash-chid (Badger), Shush (Bear), or Toish-jeh (Barrel).
- C: Represented by Moasi (Cat), Tla-gin (Coal), or Ba-goshi (Cow).
This pattern continued throughout the alphabet, with each letter assigned a variety of Navajo words. The redundancy offered by multiple words for each letter added another layer of complexity for any potential enemy attempting to decipher the code. The use of common nouns like "ant," "bear," and "cat" was a deliberate strategy to create a vocabulary that was both memorable and seemingly innocuous.
Beyond the Alphabet: A Specialized Lexicon
The code extended far beyond simple letter substitution. A dedicated vocabulary was developed for military terms, ranks, and locations. This section of the Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary showcases the adaptability of the Navajo language and the clever ways in which familiar words were repurposed to convey complex military concepts.
Military Organizations:
- Corps: Din-neh-ih (Clan) – Emphasizing the strong sense of community and shared identity.
- Division: Ashih-hi (Salt) – Perhaps referencing the essential nature of a division within a larger military structure.
- Regiment: Tabaha (Edge Water) – Evoking a sense of boundary or strategic position.
- Battalion: Tacheene (Red Soil) – Possibly relating to the ground fought over in battle.
- Company: Nakia (Mexican) – The reason for this specific translation is not clear from this document but could be based on historical context or shared experience.
- Platoon: Has-clish-nih (Mud) – Suggesting the challenging conditions often faced by platoons.
- Section: Yo-ih (Beads) – Representing individual elements within a larger structure.
- Squad: Debeh-li-zini (Black Sheep) – A unique and perhaps humorous designation for a squad.
Military Officers:
The code also assigned specific Navajo terms to various officer ranks, often drawing parallels to traditional Navajo leadership roles and symbols of authority.
- Commanding General: Bih-keh-he (G) (War Chief) – A direct translation reflecting the leader’s role in warfare.
- Major General: So-na-kih (Two Star) – A straightforward description based on the rank insignia.
- Brigadier General: So-a-la-ih (One Star) – Similar to the Major General, this emphasizes the number of stars.
- Colonel: Atsah-besh-le-gai (Silver Eagle) – Referencing the Colonel’s rank insignia.
- Lieutenant Colonel: Che-chil-be-tah-besh-legai (Silver Oak Leaf) – Again, relating to the Lieutenant Colonel’s insignia.
- Major: Che-chil-be-tah-ola (Gold Oak Leaf) – Connecting the rank to its corresponding insignia.
- Captain: Besh-legai-nah-kih (Two Silver Bars) – Identifying the rank through its visual representation.
- Lieutenant: Besh-legai-a-lah-ih (One Silver Bar) – Following the same pattern as Captain.
Names of Countries:
The Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary included a section dedicated to countries involved in World War II, demonstrating the code’s global reach and applicability.
- Africa: Zhin-ni (Blackies) – A descriptive term based on the skin color of some of the continent’s inhabitants.
- America: Ne-he-mah (Our Mother) – A term of endearment and national pride.
- Japan: Beh-na-ali-tsosie (Slant Eye) – A descriptive term relating to a physical characteristic of some Japanese people.
Names of Airplanes and Ships:
The Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary also included designations for airplanes and ships.
- Dive Bomber: Gini (Chicken Hawk).
- Fighter Plane: Da-he-tih-hi (Humming Bird).
- Battleship: Lo-tso (Whale).
- Submarine: Besh-lo (Iron Fish).
Vocabulary: Expanding the Code’s Capabilities
The final section of the Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary comprised a comprehensive vocabulary of essential military terms, actions, and concepts. These terms were translated into Navajo, providing the Code Talkers with the linguistic tools to communicate a wide range of messages effectively.
Examples include:
- Abandon: Ye-tsan (Run away from)
- Attack: Al-tah-je-jay (Attack)
- Bomb: A-ye-shi (Eggs)
- Capture: Yis-nah (Capture)
- Defense: Ah-kin-cil-toh (Defense)
- Kill: Naz-tsaid (Kill)
- Surrender: Ne-na-cha (Surrender)
This extensive vocabulary allowed the Code Talkers to convey detailed tactical information, strategic directives, and logistical updates with precision and speed.
Significance
The Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary represents more than just a list of translated words; it is a symbol of cultural resilience, linguistic ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to national service. The code it facilitated proved unbreakable, playing a crucial role in numerous battles and contributing significantly to the Allied victory in the Pacific. The Navajo Code Talkers Dictionary remains a vital piece of history, a testament to the power of language and the extraordinary contributions of the Navajo people.