Most people are quite surprised when they are first introduced to the concept of an artificial language like Esperanto. They are utterly astonished when they realise just how popular it really is, and how easy to learn.
The Esperanto language is designed as a neutral lingua franca for worldwide use; it has been taught and learned for over a century. Esperanto was first introduced in 1887 by Dr. L.L Zamenhof; when he published the first book in the language, the Unua Libro, which discussed the importance of the Esperanto language. Dr. Zamenhof proposed Esperanto as a second language that would help people who speak different languages to communicate and understand each other.
Learning Esperanto may be helpful in communication. It doesn’t need to replace anyone’s native language but it just serves as a common second language between people. Today, Esperanto language has a notable presence in over hundred countries in Europe, East Asia, and South America. Although no country has adopted Esperanto officially, it still possesses vital significance in communication. Esperanto is currently the language of instruction of the International Academy of Sciences in San Marino. Many experts believe that learning and using Esperanto can be a foundation for learning other language. If Esperanto is a second language in bridging communication gaps, why is that most people doesn’t have proper knowledge about the importance and usage of the this language?
Over the years, many people have come to believe that language is the primary barrier in achieving harmony, peace, and forming strong bonds between countries. In this world today, although many languages are dying, the communities have still remained multilingual and thus, using a common language or a translator is necessary to be able to communicate effectively.
The most common language ever used in international communication is English. Experts agree that English is the global lingua franca or the universal language. Today, almost all people speak and understand the English language, which is definitely helpful in international communication. So, if Esperanto is the second language of people who speak different language, why does it not have a higher recognised linguistic status, such as the English language?
During the creation of the Esperanto language, Dr. L.L Zamenhof hoped that Esperanto would be as neutral lingua franca of the world. However, due to the larger numbers of the English speakers in every continent, learning and studying Esperanto language is still not very common. Nowadays, the number of Esperanto speakers varies from as few as 10,000 to up to 2 million worldwide, which is quite alarming; and maybe in due time, this language may just vanish from the face of earth. It should be protected and be widely taught to the next generation.
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