this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2025
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Mildly Interesting

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How the "NATO phonetic alphabet" was created (23:27) (www.youtube.com)
submitted 11 hours ago by sundray@lemmus.org to c/mildlyinteresting@lemmy.world
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From the Rob Words YouTube channel. Here's the video description:

Let’s uncover the secrets of the NATO phonetic alphabet! 🌏 [ad redacted]

The NATO phonetic alphabet is not a phonetic alphabet and wasn't invented by NATO. However, it has a fascinating story to tell. It is the result of years of linguistic experimentation in the wake of the violence of World War II. So let's explore its development, from ALFA to ZULU.

In this episode, we'll uncover the surprising story of how this alphabet – used by everyone from pilots to police officers – came to be. And look at the strange words that almost made the cut.

Thank you very much to Derby Aero Club at Derby Airfield for kindly allowing us to film. You can find out more about them here: https://www.derbyaeroclub.com/

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[–] Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com -2 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

I only know Alpha.
Alpha (animal)
Alphabet
Alpha goal (from almost every game about CTF)

[–] KoalaUnknown@lemmy.world 7 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 1 hour ago) (1 children)

Right, but you speak english. As the video explains, it was spelled “alfa” so people who can’t speak english don’t pronounce it with a p sound.

[–] Appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.com -2 points 1 hour ago (1 children)

I speak English as a second language.
Thank you very much.

[–] Soulg@ani.social 6 points 1 hour ago

But you still speak English