Northern Arizona University,Cline Library,Navajo Code Talkers at Camp Pendleton,Oceanside,California
In Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California in May 1942 the first 29 Navajo created the Navajo code. After training was completed, they were sent to the Pacific Theater. The initial code had 211 terms it was later expanded to 411 terms. Each of the 26 letters of the alphabet represented a Navajo term. The alphabet at the end had 44 words. Navajo translated unrelated Navajo words into English, then the first letter of the English word would be translated.450 words were used for military terms.
The Navajo language is unique it isn't like any common language. The Navajo pronounce vowels using a low, high, rising, and falling pitch tone of voice. They weren't allowed to write down any of the codes on the field. There were two types of codes. Type one, was the code created by the Navajo and was used when it was an extremely important message. Type two, was a translation from English to Navajo and English once again.
Navajo alphabet
The Navajo initially had no alphabet. They didn't have a written language which is a reason why it was so impossible for the Japanese to know about the Navajo. When creating the code along with that they created an alphabet. Using the English alphabet they were able to represent each letter with up to 3 different meanings. This provided efficient security that the code wouldn't be broken. It consists of 36 characters.
Navajo Code Talker explaning the importance of the code and translating an example below.
Dangers and Challengesazcentral,Navajo Code Names For Ships