Does DD understand parseltongue? (was: Saving Ginny (was Re: Lockhart's incompetence))

[Goddlefrood]

No: HPFGUIDX 143370

> Potioncat:
 So, yes, I think DD speaks parseltongue.

Goddlefrood:

You may well be right. Being a person who understands multiple 
languages (French, Fijian, Rotuman, German and Italian) without 
actually speaking them I add that it is possible that while 
Dumbledore can understand Parseltongue it does not mean that he 
necessarily speaks it.

If I recall correctly he asks Harry whether he can understand what 
the Gaunts are talking about and at the time the implication I took 
from that was that Dumbledore himself did not actually fully 
understand the exchanges in parseltongue, but he may have understood 
certain parts.

If it is the case of translation as sudggested then I find it 
probable that one of Dumbledore's instruments serves as a translator.

Dumbledore is of course renowned for speaking several other 
languages, including mermish.

Confused?

TTFN