To understand, put language in context
Regarding “Yiddish making comeback in university classrooms” (Metro, Jan. 2), especially evocative for me was this quote: “They used to say in the family: ‘Speak Yiddish so the children don’t understand if you’re talking about something serious or arguing.’ ”
In 1964, I took a trip with my paternal grandparents in their 1962 Chevrolet from Miami Beach (where I grew up) to Montreal, where we all were from.
I was 16, and my grandfather let me drive much of the way. Befitting the times, my grandmother never learned to drive.
Occasionally, they’d slip into Yiddish — no doubt, to exclude me. I knew enough to pick up bits of their conversations.
My ears perked up once when they started talking about “der kinder.” I wanted to know if they were discussing my cousins or siblings — or me. I soon realized they weren’t talking about any of us — but about our parents.
Ron Jayson, Decatur
Spink keeps providing us with memories
After looking at the full-page feature “2011: The year in pictures” (Metro, Dec. 31), I retrieved a two-page photo essay by photographer John Spink from 1998. Yes, I still enjoy looking at it!
Bravo to John Spink, and his amazing talent. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Teresa Gernazian, Decatur
Use common sense to make roads safer
Driver distractions are the leading cause of most vehicle crashes.
In 2012, make a resolution to be a safer and more responsible driver: including less use of the cellphone while driving, and never texting, reading or eating while driving.
These simple tips can help save lives.
Brian DiNapoli, Decatur
Israel is not standing in the way of progress
Regarding “Palestinian, Israeli talks arranged” (News, Jan. 2), Israel is not the stumbling block to resolving the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. She has made numerous proposals and ceded territory, to no avail.
Anti-Jewish incitement continues to spew not only from Palestinian sources — but from Egypt and Jordan as well (despite peace treaties with the latter two). The Palestinian “non-negotiation” pattern is well established. Nothing will change until the world stops enabling the Palestinian leaders who have held their own people in limbo since 1948.
Peace won’t come until the Palestinians accept the Israeli vision of two states for two people — a Jewish state beside a Palestinian state, which accepts its Jewish neighbor’s right to exist.
Toby F. Block, Atlanta
