What is Esperanto?

A unique language

Apart from not belonging to any ethnic group Esperanto is not like other languages:

• It is easier to learn
• It is logical and streamlined in word-building, plurals, pronunciation, etc.

Also, it is expressive, pleasing to the ear and able to evolve to meet the needs of the modern world.

And where does it come from?

The first publication in Esperanto was in 1887, when Dr. L. Zamenhof proposed it as a language to the world. His idea was that a common, second language would contribute to a better understanding between ethnic groups and nations.

After spreading mainly in Europe during the 20^th century, the language has developed greatly in China, Brazil, Iran, etc. In 1990, the number of speakers globally was estimated at more than 2 million⁽¹⁾ in more than 100 countries.

(1)Source: World Almanac and Book of Facts, 1990, New York

And what is happening in Africa?

In Africa too, Esperanto is spreading, with associations in thirteen countries⁽²⁾, four African Congresses held since 1990, a great variety of translated or original African literature, and a number of international development/support initiatives.

As a neutral, non-colonial language, Esperanto is obviously a more acceptable basis for inter-ethnic communication than are the languages currently used as "lingua franca".

It is also a means of connecting Africa to the rest of the world and for everyone to benefit from international solidarity.

(2)Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, DRC, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, South AFrica, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe

What is Esperanto for?

To meet people

Esperanto is, in the first place, a means to encounter:

• foreign people abroad (by attending congresses or using the free world-wide accommodation service)
• the world from home (you can provide accommodation for travellers or just correspond)
• your own neighbours from other linguistic backgrounds

To discover cultures and languages

Esperanto gives you:

• Access to a variety of cross-cultural, origial or translated literature, music and other media
• A better understanding of your own and other languages

To experience solidarity

Says Bernard Londoni Runyerera:

Esperanto, as a neutral language, is a language of respect and solidarity. Esperanto-speakers of various countries have often helped me through difficult times.

There are many examples of initiatives which gained financial and moral support, e.g. a solar energy project in Tanzania, a school in Madagascar, and a refugee support organisation in Durban.

To sum up

You will find that Esperanto:

• is a language with fascinating structure, regularity and richness
• is less discriminating than any other national language
• gives you unequalled possibilities to travel anywhere in the world at low cost and "high satisfaction"
• helps you meet a great diversity of people even without leaving your home
• allows you to connect with people of similar interests, wherever they may be
• opens doors of solidarity world-wide
• gives you access to a wealth of cross-cultural publications and music
• helps you better understand your own and other languages

Need more information?

We will gladly send you more materials or answer your questions.

Esperanto Association of Southern Africa

P.O.Box 2636, Cresta, 2118

Tel: 011 782 5807
Fax: 012 667 4119
E-mail: kohlerj@webmail.co.za