Luxembourg
Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of Luxembourg became the 26th world leader to honor my request. He also joins the club of those who have personally signed the photo.
The enclosed card isn't in English. To me it seemed like Spanish but as it turns out it is actually in Luxembourgish. I pride myself in learning new things every day and today I learned about the existence of this language.
I also noticed the postmark includes the number '1000.' I wonder what that signifies. It can't be the zip code because the correct zip code, included in the return address, is L-2910. Does anyone have a clue? (While you're at it what does Grand-Duche mean?)
posted by Joel at 6:29 PM
4 Comments:
Luxembourg is a Grand Duchy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duchy
It's ruled not by a King or Queen, but by a Grand Duke or Duchess.
Therefore, Grand-Duche means Grand Duke.
I'm guessing that 1000 is the correct zip code for the city of Luxembourg, while 2910 is the zip code of the "state ministry" (Ministère d'état) or government or something like that. (L- is the country prefix)
The "Avec les compliments..." card is actually in French.
Yes, both the card and the logomark on the envelope saying "Grande-Duche de Luxembourg" are in French, one of the three official languages of Luxembourg and the main political working language. French is a Romance language, like Spanish.
Luxembourgish is a Germanic language with a few French influences. It was only officialised in 1984, and is not used particularly often in formal contexts.
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