Fortochka location

[Jack Kollmann]

The fortochka isn't always the top pane of a window -- e.g., top story
windows, Winter Palace, Palace Square facade -- I tried to attach a photo,
but the List rejected it.  In some Russian double casement windows (you
know, with a space in between of several inches), the placement of the
fortochki in the two windows is offset vertically and/or horizontally --
for example, the fortochka in the outer window may be at or near the
bottom, the fortochka in the inner window at or near the top, an
arrangement which allows fresh air to enter but cuts down on gusts of wind
and particulate matter entering from outside.  If I remember correctly
(I'll look through my photos), the fortochki in some Winter Palace windows
are offset.  Most fortochki -- in the apartments, dorms, and hotels we all
have stayed in in Russia -- are not offset, they're at the same location
in outer and inner windows, but not necessarily at the top:  in some cases
there is another pane or panes above.  Not being offset allows the
occupant to seal both outer and inner windows in the winter while allowing
one to reach the latches on both the inner and outer fortochki.
For "fortochka," I agree there's no good English word, because we rarely
have fortochki in our windows, although I see a few indications online
that architects are rediscovering their utility.  In a footnote one could
say that it is a hinged ventilation window pane.
Jack Kollmann

-----Original Message-----
From: SEELANGS: Slavic & East European Languages and Literatures list
[mailto:SEELANGS at bama.ua.edu] On Behalf Of anne marie devlin
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 1:59 AM
To: SEELANGS at bama.ua.edu
Subject: Re: [SEELANGS] Fortochka

What about simply the top pane of the window?
AM

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