What is Esperanto?

Esperanto is a language introduced in 1887 by Dr. L.L. Zamenhof after years of development. He proposed Esperanto as a second language that would allow people who speak different native languages to communicate, yet at the same time retain their own languages and cultural identities. Esperanto doesn't replace anyone's language but simply serves as a common second language. Esperanto can be learned in much less time than any other language. Esperanto is politically unbiased.

Although there aren't a lot of people who speak Esperanto in any one place, there are some almost everywhere. There are over a hundred periodicals regularly published in Esperanto. There are thousands of books in Esperanto, both translated and original works. There are millions of webpages.

People who speak Esperanto are internationally minded, concerned about social justice and peace, and are helping to preserve linguistic diversity. Meetings and conventions in America, Europe, and Asia provide a fun opportunity to travel and meet new people from around the world. In short...

  • Esperanto doesn't replace anyone's language but simply serves as a common second language.
  • Esperanto can be learned in much less time than any other language.
  • Esperanto is politically unbiased, helping to preserve minority languages and cultures.
  • Esperanto provides an opportunity to travel and meet new friends from around the world.
  • Esperanto is fun to learn and fun to speak!

To understand the different facets of Esperanto, the international language that works, please view the following short videos.

Part 1: Esperanto is a language suitable for everything


Part 2: Esperanto is a language with many traits


Part 3: Esperanto is a language used in many ways


Part 4a: Esperanto is worth learning and is learnable by all



Part 4b: Esperanto is worth learning and is learnable by all


Part 5: Esperanto is a language with a colorful movement


Part 6: Esperanto is the language of the future