So You Can Read Old German, Huh?

[Rick Research]

Welllllll, how about 1917 German version of Gregg Shorthand?

[AOK4]

Hello Rick,

it says Karl. Han. (probably Hannover) am 11./10. 1917. The rest is some kind of shorthand which I am unable to read either, although I encountered it quite a few times and would be happy to know more about this writing.

Jan

[Rick Research]

Yes, the entire off-scan upper part of the inscription is "normal" and I only showed part of that for contrast with the bottom two lines.

My Ancient Mater thinks she can "read" something about "today" in there-- but that would be assuming Gregg squiggles mean the same words in every language, and that's not how she learned hers, by sound, in English.

[Ralph A]

no no no

You're going about it all wrong. Let me help.

First, you must reverse it. Silly people.

[Ralph A]

and then,

give 'er a spin. Elementary.

[Ralph A]

Truth revealed.

It's lover's correspondence.

Glad to be of service.

[Eric Stahlhut]

Gee guys,

I don't see what's so hard about reading the lower portion, either! It clearly is a shopping list! It reads, ' 2% milk, salsa? granola!'

[Rick Research]

Oddly enough, I rather think Ralph's onto the right idea!