What is a FAQ?

FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions. This is where we post our replies to common questions relating to either this website or its content. Before you contact us with a question you might like to check this page to see if your question has already been posed and answered - it could save you waiting for a reply! If you can't find what you're looking for then click here to learn how to submit your own question.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do people learn Esperanto?
  Many learn it because Esperanto is a ‘fair’ language which, when used in conversation between people of different nationalities, leaves no one at an advantage or a disadvantage; people can therefore communicate on an equal level about anything. Others like the challenge of learning a new language which, because of its regularity of grammar and spelling, people find they can use within a comparatively short time.
  
  Some recognize the value of Esperanto as an ‘apprentice language’ and are keen to teach it to their children. It helps to give them an understanding of how language works and introduces them to many ‘national language’ words on which Esperanto is based. It encourages them to think ‘globally’ and helps to make them aware of different cultures. Lots like to make use of the language for international contact either through the internet or by post, or by travelling to areas that are off the tourist track.
   
• I’ve heard Esperanto is easy to learn; is this true?
  Any language requires a certain amount of study and perseverance in order to learn effectively, but yes, in comparison with the time required to learn another language Esperanto is easier – it is estimated to be about five times easier. It has a compact set of fixed grammatical rules, completely regular verb endings, and phonetic pronunciation and spelling - each letter has only one sound.
  
  It is based on native languages; the vocabulary is based on Latin, Germanic and Slavic word roots, so as an English speaker you’ll recognise many of the words - like kato (cat) and hundo (dog). You’ll already be familiar with the sounds of nearly all of the letters in its alphabet, too.
  
  Even a small vocabulary of word roots can be combined in an unlimited number of ways and combinations to make words for everything you want to express - from the trivial to the complex. Beginners soon learn the meanings of complicated words because they can see how these have been built up from the simpler parts.
   
• What can I do with Esperanto if I learn it?
  Learning Esperanto opens up a whole spectrum of opportunities. For some, the interest lies in one particular field; for example, a lot use it to travel to places that they might otherwise not have visited, to get a real ‘feel’ for a country and culture because they can make local contacts well away from tourist areas. Others find enjoyment in surfing the net and in making contacts world-wide through e-mail and chat-rooms. Many like to read magazines and articles written by ordinary people who have experienced events first-hand.
   
• Can I use Esperanto to explore the literature of other cultures?
  Yes! Esperanto has a wealth of literature, including both original and translated novels and stories, plays, essays, poetry and songs; these have been published in the thousands. The tradition of translating works into Esperanto began early and esperantists have continued to add to the ever growing list; including William Auld - a prolific Scottish writer who has written outstanding Esperanto poetry, was recently nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, and has also translated the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
  
  If you'd like to explore this field further then browse the following list of recommended reading to see just what is available. Alternatively, if you are interested in browsing a catalogue to buy, have a look at the catalogue of the Universal Esperanto Association and remember that you can also order directly from our office if you prefer.

Submit a question

To submit a question, simply use our all-purpose online feedback form to send us an email message. We will reply to you personally as soon as possible and, should your question be of a suitable nature, we will also add the new question/reply pair to the FAQ. Obviously we take great care to ensure that communication of a personal nature is not published on the Internet.

Website credits

• Website content - Angela Tellier & Vilĉjo Walker.
• Website design & maintenance - Matthew Tellier.
• "Sweetie the Owl" - created & drawn by Peter Oliver.