Each language has a bizarre story, but, as a rule, they develop spontaneously, and it is simply impossible to determine the exact date of occurrence. These languages exist as much as people. Esperanto is a completely different matter. It is an artificial language invented in 1887. Why is it needed and who became its creator?
The idea of Lazarus Zamenhof
In 1887, the Warsaw doctor came up with the idea of creating a language ideal for international communication. Lazar Zamenhof decided to come up with a system that would allow people from different countries to communicate without difficulty. The new language was supposed to be neutral and more accessible for study. The idea turned out to be relevant, in addition, Esperanto soon turned into a cultural value. It has written a lot of different literary works. Interestingly, such a project is neither the first nor the only - people have tried more than once to create an artificial international language. Nevertheless, only Esperanto is known throughout the world and can be considered exemplary in many ways. Zamenhof did not create it alone. He prepared only a draft, which was supplemented in the process of using the language. Development does not stop - everyone who starts learning Esperanto can contribute to his vocabulary.
Why don't existing languages work?
Many believe that English is a completely international language. He is understood all over the world and taught in schools of different countries. However, Esperantists are confident that there are more successful solutions. Like any national language, English is quite complicated, it takes time and money to learn it. In addition, its use may constitute discrimination against others. From birth English-speaking people will always know him better than those who learned it in adulthood. Esperanto is a great way out of the situation, it is the second for everyone. It is much simpler than any of the existing national ones. Everyone who decides to study it needs minimal costs, and everyone is on an equal footing.
How many native speakers are there?
The exact number of people using Esperanto is unknown. According to various estimates, it ranges from one hundred thousand to a couple of million. Even according to the most pessimistic data of Esperantists, there can be no less than twenty thousand. In this sense, the international language is not in the worst position - sometimes fewer native speakers speak national languages, sometimes the figure is double-digit. Given that Esperanto has existed for only one hundred and fifteen years, this figure is not bad. In addition, the language is very widespread geographically - it is used in hundreds of countries. Even if there are not many Esperantists in the city, electronic calendars of meetings and directories with addresses help them to gather.
How to use the language?
Esperanto is an ideal language for correspondence and oral conversations. But there is a whole cultural space. Both written in Esperanto and books translated into it are constantly published, radio stations broadcast in this language, and about a hundred magazines are published. Media is easy to find on the Internet. In addition, scientists often use it. Esperanto is the working language of conferences, symposia and the whole Academy of Sciences, located in San Marino. It is also used as an intermediary in translation into other languages. Original literature includes texts of various genres. The translation is impressive by its vastness - for example, almost all Russian classics can be found without problems. It is easy to find both journalism and textbooks. Sometimes works created in Esperanto are translated into national languages.
What gives training?
Why do you need to know the international language of Esperanto? There are many different reasons. Firstly, each medium supports the justice of international relations, tolerance and equality between all peoples. Secondly, the Esperantist can find the interlocutor in any corner of the Earth. Meetings of carriers are associated with original traditions, they are accompanied by a unique atmosphere. Esperantists often provide each other with a free overnight stay, looking for guests according to a special youth program. In addition, the language is distinguished by an interesting and multifaceted culture. It is more accessible than any national, as it lends itself to identification with each specific person. The student does not have to lose his own culture. The fourth reason is the opportunity to expand the perception of the world. Understanding that contact with other people from any country can be easy and affordable changes many outlooks on life. Esperanto helps to gain freedom from prejudice. Finally, this is just the path to interesting acquaintances. Esperantists are unusual people, often with an excellent education and many hobbies. The final reason can be called the facilitation of learning any other language. Those who know Esperanto learn foreign words and grammar faster than those who start learning English or French from scratch.