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Iranian leader bans usage of foreign words
Newspeak comes to Iran...TEHRAN, Iran - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has ordered government and cultural bodies to use modified Persian words to replace foreign words that have crept into the language, such as "pizzas" which will now be known as "elastic loaves," state media reported Saturday. Mmmmmmmmmm...elastic loaves... The presidential decree, issued earlier this week, orders all governmental agencies, newspapers and publications to use words deemed more appropriate by the official language watchdog, the Farhangestan Zaban e Farsi, or Persian Academy, the Irna official news agency reported. "Deranged midget" will now be known as "12th Imam". The academy has introduced more than 2,000 words as alternatives for some of the foreign words that have become commonly used in Iran, mostly from Western languages. The government is less sensitive about Arabic words, because the Quran is written in Arabic. "Footstool" will now be known as "photograph the 12th Imam standing on one and you will be beaten severely". Among other changes, a "chat" will become a "short talk" and a "cabin" will be renamed a "small room," according to official Web site of the academy. "Dildo" will now be known as "President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad". Posted by: tu3031 2006-07-29 |
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