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Esperanto is a language which was designed to serve as a politically and culturally neutral means of communication among those of different languages and cultural backgrounds. It is the creation of Dr. Ludwik L. Zamenhof, M.D. (1859-1917), who first presented it in 1887. An international movement to¬Ýpromote its use has continued to flourish since that time.
Esperanto's alphabet is phonetic and its 16 grammatical rules are without exception. Its vocabulary is drawn primarily from the Romance Languages. Esperanto has a system of endings and affixes by which new words can be constructed from old, e.g., from the root "esper" meaning "hope"; one can construct "esperanto" - "one who hopes".
Esperanto is the most widely used sen nacia lingvo (nationally independent language). Millions of people use Esperanto daily for both written and spoken international communication. In China it is taught in |
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universities. It is one of the official languages of Australia. There are numerous Esperanto websites, radio broadcasts and publications. There are original Esperanto works on almost every subject. Additionally, there are thousands of translations of existing works in literature, philosophy, science, religion, theatre and music.
The Esperanto Movement has organizations and users in virtually every country. It has official ties to organizations within the United Nations. Recently, the UN began to translate its minor diplomatic documents into Esperanto to help reduce translations costs and errors. Used by millions, taught in schools and on the cutting edge of technology. Is there any wonder that Esperanto’Äôs popularity is on the rise?
You can make a difference! You are cordially invited to join us. Please visit the St. Louis Esperanto Association's website and read the online version of its newsletter, ARKO!. |
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