Research into the language Esperanto exposes factors which support the case that Esperanto is the international language for the new millennium. These ideas can be seen as sub-factors that form a part of the over-riding theme, which is global unity as we enter the new millennium. The sub-factors are: the improved communication between nations, the protection of minority languages, the fact that Esperanto is a completely neutral language, the ease with which Esperanto can be learnt and the opportunities and uses that Esperanto presents.
The selection of Esperanto as an international language holds unique symbolism as the world moves into the third millennium. The general definitions of 'language' are:
1) A system of sounds, symbols etc for communicating thought.
2) Specialized vocabulary used by a particular group. (Collins Shorter Dictionary and Thesaurus).
These definitions imply that although languages enable contact between persons, the contact is limited to within a particular group of persons. It is essential as we move into the new millennium that the nations of our world experience a resolution to reunite. The global understanding of Esperanto is symbolic of the union of the nations of the world, with the opportunity for cultural diversity to grow and develop among the individual nations. Esperanto is a language that would provide international contact, rather than limiting the contact to particular groups of persons. The symbolism of the global unity provided by Esperanto in the new millennium would lead to international peace, and this is the most important aspect of the selection of Esperanto as the international language for the new millennium.
Communication is one of the influences that strongly supports that Esperanto is the international language for the new millennium. Esperanto allows communication between nations of separate languages, between which communication may have been very difficult. Communication between nations would also be on equal footing, where all parties could speak and understand each other with ease. The use of Esperanto as an international language means that communication holds no advantages for native speakers of the language of communication. This improved depth of communication would serve as a bridge between the countries of the world and it's occupants, which would in turn reunite the world as we move into our third millennium together.
The protection of minority languages is an important aspect of the use of Esperanto as an international language. Should Esperanto be used as the international language of the new millennium, the inhabitants of countries that speak (a) minority language(s) would not be forced to abandon their native language in order to adapt to speaking a language that is prominent throughout the world. The world would not be dominated by a few supreme languages, but rather would use Esperanto as the international language. This would encourage, rather than discourage the use and international development of minority languages. The preservation of minority languages is important in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the peoples of the world and their countries. This is linked with world union, in that cultural diversity may be maintained throughout the new millennium, allowing us to celebrate together the differences and the beauty of each nation of our world.
Esperanto is a neutral language. Should Esperanto become the international language for the new millennium, it would be necessary for everyone to learn Esperanto. This would prevent the unfair advantages and disadvantages that would be presented if an already prominent language, such as English, were selected as the international language, instead of Esperanto. Again, our nations would be reunited, in the light of all nations of the world learning a new, common language, with which a greater depth of worldwide communication would be ensured.
As a language, Esperanto has been proven exceptionally easy to learn. The structure of Esperanto involves unvarying grammar and word formation, with a flexible syntax. The simple formation of Esperanto means that Esperanto holds an advantage over other possible international languages. Should Esperanto be selected as the international language for the new millennium, the appeal to many would be the small amount of time involved in learning Esperanto. It is essential that the international language is a language that does not entail a large amount of time to learn. This ensures that as many people as possible will learn Esperanto, and this in turn will be responsible for the success of Esperanto as an international language: improving communication between peoples and symbolizing global unity.
The selection of Esperanto as the international language of the new millennium would provide the world with many opportunities to use Esperanto to enhance daily life. Travel experiences could be enhanced with the international understanding of Esperanto. The international knowledge of this language would also enhance and promote the growth and development of various interest and hobby groups, as all members would understand the language spoken, and be understood by all. This heightened depth of communication would expand the populations of many worldwide interest and hobby groups, which would in turn lead to a greater level of commitment and enjoyment for all members. Once again the opportunities and the possible uses encompassed by the international knowledge of Esperanto would provide a greater level of contact with our global cousins, thus bringing all nations closer together and providing an abundance of cultural knowledge between nations. Hopefully, this heightened level of understanding would lead to a cultural acceptance between nations, and a peaceful global existence, promoting world unity.
In conclusion, research into the language Esperanto indicates that there are important sub-factors that support the selection of Esperanto as the international language for the new millennium. The over-riding theme containing these sub-factors is the global unity in the new millennium, promoted by a language common to all nations. A quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889 - 1951) states: "The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." The selection of Esperanto as the international language for the new millennium would remove the boundaries generated by language barriers. Esperanto is the key to a boundless world of experiences, for each nation. Esperanto is the international language for the new millennium.
Sarah Beatty, was aged 17 when she wrote this, as a student in the final year at Palmerston North Girls' High School. She was planning to study medicine and work with people in underdeveloped countries.