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Indirect Communication by Riddles and Games In a number of Royal courts during the period of the Enlightenment (around 1750) it was the habit to converse in French. There was also a fascination with words and word-play, including pronunciation. It was in this context that King Friedrich the Great of Prussia wrote to Voltaire the following:
Voltaire worked out the the King was inviting him to a meal at Sans Souci, a castle near Potsdam (Venez souper à Sans Souci).
Voltaire sent back the message: Ja
The King knew Voltaire was not saying Yes in German. He deduced that Voltaire's was replying that he was hungry (J'ai grande appetit). ---------------------------------------------- E-mail the author if an explanation is needed! |
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