Esperanto versus English

Many people think that Esperanto-speakers have a negative attitude towards English. This would be a peculiar viewpoint for the writer as my first language is Standard Scottish English; and I regard English and its literature as something which is precious.

I feel no negativity towards my own language; but I feel negativity towards those who think that English is the panacea for the world language problem. I also feel negativity towards those who are using English for cultural imperialism. I desire a world which is diverse; and which does not succumb to a globalization which really means dominance by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Esperanto makes its modest contribution to world unity and diversity. It belongs to all, but is not the possession of any. It encourages internationalism by eliminating communication barriers, but it actively encourages dialogue with all cultures and societies.

During media encounters a customary question is "How many people speak Esperanto?" It is not easy to answer this question because the word "speak" is so slippery. Why is the question always concerning speakers and not writers, readers or listeners? Probably because speech is regarded as being an ability which pre-dates reading and writing. But the almost intractable problem is how to define "speak".

English has exactly the same problem. Some of the estimates of English-speakers are based upon ludicrous definitions of fluency. Do you speak French, German or Russian? I can read French fairly well and speak it badly. I read German badly and can use a few dozen words. I can read the Cyrillic alphabet with great difficulty and know some basic Russian words. Am I a German speaker? In my opinion, no. What about Russian? Do I need to respond? Would I class myself among those who speak French as a foreign language? I would not; but my ability to speak French is probably better than millions who claim that they can speak English; and the words would probably emerge if there were a crisis. It could well be the case that many who claim they are English speakers know English as well (or as badly) as I know German and Russian.

There are those who speak English with style and facility; there are multitudes who claim to speak English; but the language which they speak is not English according to my definition. It may be called English; but to do so perpetuates a grand illusion. I do not mock those who erroneously claim to speak the language of Shakespeare; but I bemoan the fate of English. I also worry about its ultimate future as it goes through such degeneration.

Esperanto is a language which can be mastered; I have chosen the word with care. It is constructed in order to make this possible. Strange that so many think that a planned language is inferior to unplanned languages: although all languages contain planned elements. Esperanto is latent with semantic possibilities; so those who use it are continually devising new modes of expression, which are instantly comprehensible by other speakers. Its flexibility is extraordinary. The more who learn Esperanto the better will be world-wide communication; but Esperanto already possesses a community of speakers in more than 100 countries. It is not a project or an experiment; it lives and breathes. This site encourages the use of a language which will convey your thoughts and emotions with fluency and precision. Regard the site as a learning springboard; test it resources.

If you are dissatisfied with your previous ventures in language learning, launch yourself into Esperanto: a perfect fusion of logic and poetry. You will also soon discover that it genuinely facilitates comprehension of the contemporary world.

David W. Bisset