Presentation Type
Oral/Paper Presentation
Abstract
When created languages develop a community and culture, they begin to imitate the elements of natural languages. Esperanto, a language created to unite the world under one lingua franca, demonstrates this process as it shifts from its original intention to a minority language in characteristic. “Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language” explores the dichotomy between a language created to be spoken by all, and one that has isolated itself within its own community and customs. In discussing the history of Esperanto’s creation and structure, its evolving and loyal community, and its parallels with natural minority languages like Maori, this essay demonstrates how the natural and isolating nature of language development penetrates even the intentionality of a language created to connect the world. “Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language” breaks down the creation and evolution of an artificial but intentional language whose loyal and defensive language speakers are isolated from outsiders, creating a condition which imitates the process of natural minority language development.
Recommended Citation
Summerville, Anna, "Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 21.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/21
Included in
First and Second Language Acquisition Commons, Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures Commons, Other Linguistics Commons
Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language
When created languages develop a community and culture, they begin to imitate the elements of natural languages. Esperanto, a language created to unite the world under one lingua franca, demonstrates this process as it shifts from its original intention to a minority language in characteristic. “Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language” explores the dichotomy between a language created to be spoken by all, and one that has isolated itself within its own community and customs. In discussing the history of Esperanto’s creation and structure, its evolving and loyal community, and its parallels with natural minority languages like Maori, this essay demonstrates how the natural and isolating nature of language development penetrates even the intentionality of a language created to connect the world. “Esperanto: A Universal or Minority Language” breaks down the creation and evolution of an artificial but intentional language whose loyal and defensive language speakers are isolated from outsiders, creating a condition which imitates the process of natural minority language development.