Hello everyone. A coworker of mine recently acquired a letter that had been written by a deceased relative. This relative lived in Honolulu at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. We cannot read the letter because it is written in Russian. We both are highly curious as to what it says. The letter is dated December 8th, 1941, so as you can imagine the subject matter probably isn't about the current price of pineapples. Might there be a Russian translator in the house? Or does someone have a suggestion as to how to get it translated? Thanks for your consideration!
If you have a decent sized college or university with a Russian language program, that may be someplace to consider. They might have an ambitious student looking for some extra credit.
Excellent suggestion! The University of Missouri is just 25 miles away. I will have to look into if they have a Russian language program or not. Thanks.
Send him a private message, he'll probably be more than happy to help you. If you don't hear from him soon, let me know and I'll send him an email.
Received a copy of the letter from my coworker today. I sent a PM to Sloniksp per Slipdigit's suggestion and he has graciously agreed to try and translate for us. View attachment 22778 View attachment 22779 View attachment 22780 View attachment 22781
Message received. The first two pages should be translated by tomorrow. After I'm done I'm expecting a bottle!
Good on you, Slon. I hope the letter contains some informational tidbits. Looking forward to whatever it says.
Gents hello and an update regarding the letters. While I have had the pleasure of translating the letter, I incidentally became the bearer of bad news. It turns out that the letter was from November 8th 1941 not December, you can probably imagine my disappointed. I have informed our new friend of the same news and have not heard back as of yet. I am there for reluctant in revealing the contents of the letter (without his approval) as it is personal and unfortunately holds no historical significance/value to the date we were all hoping for. Cheers Slava
Although the letter turned out to not be a personal account related to the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was still very generous of you to take the time to translate it for buk2112's coworker. Hopefully, they will receive some new knowledge of their family history through your translation of their relative's letter.
Thank you for the salute gents it's been s while since I have received so MANY I tired to return some but was told I have reached my limit? I didn't realize I have been so cavalier with them in the past Anyone remember the limit btw? In all seriousness tho I'm glad I could help. Simple things such as these remind me of one of the reasons for even being on here and that's to perhaps bridge a gap that may stand in the way of language barrier or culture etc. present the "other side." Now all I have to do is wait for the lad to reply... Cheers
Sorry gang it took me so long to get back on thread. As Sloniksp has stated the letter is not what it appeared to us to be, so it goes. We certainly are appreciative of Sloniksp stepping up to the plate and helping us. He deserves all the salutes and kudos, his actions are most "bottle worthy" . We really thought the letter was going to be something of interest not only to us but the forum as well. Turns out it is about, "the current price of pineapples" after all. For any one who still may be curious to what the letter has to say, I'm going to post the two pages that I have below. Thanks again Sloniksp, everyone have a good one! Randy November 8th 1941 Honolulu Dear Zoya! I have been waiting and waiting for a letter from you and Shoora. I have finally received one from Shoora but not from you. I don't know your address which is why I did not write individually, instead together with Shoora as we agreed. Now I'm writing to you on Shoora's address and am hoping to receive a reply with an address. I was at first saddened but after being made aware of Shoora's departure I understand your feelings and why you haven't responded. You have a lot to worry about and I understand and sincerely sympathize with you. What a shame he didn't receive transfer to another ship. (Page 2) But he can still return to China or take all of you here? What are your feelings of the latter? Have you taken any steps towards this? Don't be under impression that I'm asking out of plain curiosity. For me everything about you is of great interest. You are aware that I have always shared both your sadness and happiness. This time I hope you will openly share so I may ease the soul. You know, it's like when you share with someone it becomes easier, doesn't it? Just make sure that you don't disappear and write more frequently. How is everything in general? Hows mom? What is she doing these days? Still working at the same place?
