From jstrout@ucsd.eduMon Aug 19 13:21:56 1996
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 09:42:55 -0700
From: Joseph Strout <jstrout@ucsd.edu>
To: python-list@cwi.nl
Subject: Top-Secret Crypto/Language Translation Program (piglatin.py)

Below is a Python module which converts English to Pig Latin, or vice
versa, while maintaining proper capitalization and punctuation. 

Since Pig Latin is not the primary language of any known country, it may
serve as a particularly strong form of cryptography (just as the Americans
used an American Indian dialect as code in World War I).  Since the
functions below translate both ways, you should be able to fairly safely
send secret messages to friends who are also equipped with the program.
However, there are three caveats:

(1) Translation from Pig Latin to English is sometimes ambiguous: for
example, "owhay" could be translated as either "how" or "who".  Coders are
advised to avoid these words in their messages if a precise transmission
will be needed.  (On the other hand, they might be purposely included to
confuse enemy code-breakers.)

(2) As potential cryptographic technology created in the United States,
this program may be subject to export restrictions.  Foreign nationals are
advised that they download this code at their own risk.

(3) As with any code (as opposed to pure crytographic system), it is vital
that the key (in this case, the program) not fall into enemy hands.  Thus,
for example, if your ship is captured, it is imperative that you clutch
your hard drive (and any printouts) containing the code to your breast and
hurl yourself overboard.

With these caveats, I hope you enjoy the program.

,------------------------------------------------------------------.
|    Joseph J. Strout           Department of Neuroscience, UCSD   |
|    jstrout@ucsd.edu           http://www-acs.ucsd.edu/~jstrout/  |
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