Esperanto Federation

With the neutral language of Esperanto finding recent explosive popularity on the internet, Australia is hosting the International Summer School in January 2010.

Millions of young people are breathing life into the world’s most popular 'designed' language via internet chat rooms and social networks, with Sydney expected to become the focus for Esperantists over 2 weeks as exponents from around the country and the world refine skills in their 2nd favourite language.

Organisers expect that beginners in the language will be speaking Esperanto by the end of the two week course.

President of the Australian Esperanto Association Dianne Lukes said, “The growth of the language due to the rise of the internet has been phenomenal. Previously, speakers of the language had to practice Esperanto face to face, on the phone or by writing letters. Today, chat rooms, social networks and VOIP services are buzzing with both young and older people enjoying the fun and unique usefulness of this clever language.”

Devised in the 1800’s as a language to cross all racial barriers and promote intercultural harmony, Esperanto is recognised as by far the easiest 2nd language to learn. It has regular grammar rules, no confusing exceptions and every word is pronounced as it appears.

“It is amazing to travel the world and find speakers in corners of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East with vastly different cultures enjoying conversations using Esperanto,” Mrs Lukes commented. “Neither feels obliged nor disadvantaged by having to try to use each other’s native tongue,” she said.

The Australian Summer School, appropriately staged at Sydney University’s International House from January 10th to 24th, will be home to lessons ranging from novice to advanced, with tutors renowned worldwide. There will also be plenty of time for socialising and sightseeing the many exciting attractions Sydney has to offer.

Information on the Esperanto Summer School can be found at http://aesk.esperanto.org.au