language puzzle

[laura marler]

RED?


> [Original Message]
> From: Jules Levin <ameliede at EARTHLINK.NET>
> To: <SEELANGS at BAMA.UA.EDU>
> Date: 12/26/2007 8:28:30 PM
> Subject: [SEELANGS] language puzzle
>
> On another list devoted to genealogy, there has arisen a puzzling 
> term used on a ship's manifest to describe
> hair color.  Here is a quote:
>
> Typed manifests give hair color of "hane" for some of the foreign
> passengers, a good many of whom are Czech.  By process of elimination,
> the word must mean "blond", given the other entries: "black," "brown,"
> "dark," "grey".
>
> No one recognizes "hane" as a color term in English.  The suggestion 
> that it is henna has been
> rejected, since those so described include many men and 
> children.  Ships' manifests are
> compiled at the departure point, and perhaps some Czech term slipped 
> in here.  Any ideas?
>
> Jules Levin
> Los Angeles
>
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