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by Milk Man on October 31st, 2005

Milk Man

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Why wasn't Esperanto ever globally adopted as the universal language?

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  • by jwmbiz on November 7th, 2005

    jwmbiz

    We already have a universal language -- English. This has been the universal language for at least 100 years. Why would we change to a language that hardly anyone speaks?

    The following quote is from the Wikipedia article "English Language":
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language
    "Because English is so widely spoken, it has been referred to as a "global language." While English is not the official language in many countries, it is the language most often taught as a second language around the world. It is also, by international treaty, the official language for aircraft/airport communication. Its widespread acceptance as a first or second language is the main indication of its global status." (Nov. 12, 2005)

    See also this Wikipedia article, "Esperanto as an International Language":
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperanto_as_an_international_language
    "Esperanto has not lived up to the hopes of its creator, who dreamed of it becoming a universal second language. Many critics say that one's time would be better spent learning English or another natural language that brings significant benefits. Many Esperantists concede that the language has little chance of ever competing with English." (Nov. 12, 2005)
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    Comments

    • When did English become Universal?

      Milk Man

      by Milk Man on November 11th, 2005

    • English is by no means a universal language - nor has it ever been close.

      Anon

      by Anon on January 7th, 2007

    • French used to be the international language; its not anymore. Latin was before French. So why should we think English will stick around?

      caitlin_28

      by caitlin_28 on February 2nd, 2007

    • It always amazes me to see the vile hatred for success. English is the universal global language of business and science. To say it isn't the universal language of poor peasants isn't very meaningful because poor peasants aren't very meaningful.

      malevolentbutticklis

      by malevolentbutticklis on August 19th, 2009

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