what is esperanto?


Esperanto is a language. But it is a somewhat special language. It was first thought of at the end of the 19th century. It was made specifically in order to enable easy communication between people of different languages. As it was made specially for this purpose, Esperanto can be learnt very quickly!

As a matter of fact, Esperanto is the easiest of all living languages. There are no exceptions, no irregular verbs. Nevertheless, it is a rich and subtle language: you can truly express everything with it. However, because it is built on just a few rules and structures - that are totally logical - we can learn it in very little time. Right after being introduced to the language, beginners quickly find themselves experimenting with their first sentences in Esperanto.

This is excellent, because rather than wasting hours learning complex grammar rules, we’ll have more time to spend with other fun and important things! - like communicating with others, and making new friends.

Learning Esperanto has also been proven to help with the learning of other languages. So, any way you look at it, learning Esperanto is always an advantage!

Add to that the fact that Esperanto does not belong to any country, and that everyone can learn it. It is freely available - and is suitable - for everyone. It promotes a sense of linguistic equality, as it is everyone’s second language - so everyone relates through it as equals!



how useful is it?


Esperanto has been officially recognised and endorsed by UNESCO. It is now spoken in over 100 countries. There are many ways in which Esperanto can be useful to you:

> discuss and correspond with all kinds of people from a variety of countries and cultures, at the same time, without being hindered by linguistic barriers, and as an equal

> discover other cultures and get updated on the world-wide scene, by having access to a vast source of magazines, newspapers and books translated directly from every major national language

> cheap travel: thanks to “Pasporta Servo” – a world-wide network of willing esperantist hosts who offer free (or almost-free) accomodation!

> join in international gatherings and festivals, with music, shows and art in Esperanto, as well as many other national languages.

> access an international network of experts in almost every professional field. Every member of the Universal Esperanto Association (UEA) has free access to a list hundreds of ‘ambassadors’ - or ‘delegates’ - who are specialists in a wide range of fields. This list is constantly updated and officially maintained by the UEA!

And many more uses!



how can I learn esperanto?


ATTEND ESPERANTO CLASSES

Courses in Esperanto lasting from a weekend to several weeks, are held in many parts of the world, throughout the entire year. Learning can be combined with making new international friends and visiting new fascinating places and cultures.

In Australia, the AEA holds a fun Summer School every year, for a couple of weeks in January, at the same time as the AEA Congress. Classes are available for all levels, including complete beginners! For information you can go straight to the website of the Australian Esperanto Summer School.

It is also very likely that close to your home or work there is an Esperanto course being run regularly by your local Esperanto Group or Club. To find out, get in touch with your local Esperanto Association!



ENROL IN AN AEA CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

The AEA offers its own inexpensive (snail) mail Correspondence Courses. Our correspondence courses include textbooks, and a private tutor, with whom you can correspond for sorting out any questions, and who will correct your assignments. Lessons are taught using both English and Esperanto. Students of all levels - and countries - are welcome. For more infomation, visit the AEA Correspondence Courses website.



STUDY ON THE INTERNET

Lernu! is a site of web-based courses to suit every level of expertise. It also has an online chat area - so you can practice your Esperanto with other students.

You can also download the free program Kurso de Esperanto.

There is also the long-running Free Esperanto Course - a well-known, email-based correspondence course. It is run by dedicated volunteers from around the world, and is available in several languages.

For even more internet Esperanto resources, visit the Multilingual Information Centre.



USE A GOOD BOOK!

“Esperanto — Learning and Using the International Language”, by David Richardson, published by the Esperanto League of North America.

“Teach Yourself Esperanto”, by John Cresswell & John Hartley, published by the Ntc Pub Group.

“Being Colloquial in Esperanto: A Reference Guide”, by David K. Jordan

And many, many others, available through all good bookshops - including the AEA Libroservo - as well as your local Esperanto Association.



where can I find more information?


If you would like to find out more about Esperanto, the Multilingual Information Centre is an excellent place to start. You can also have a look at the websites of the Universal Esperanto Association, and the Worlwide Esperantist Youth Association.

You are also more than welcome to contact us directly, at any time!