Posted by lex
I apologize for the horrible pun. I have no idea what possessed me to do that. A decent essay found here suggests that part of Esperanto’s sometimes limited appeal stems from its excessive use of consonants. Admittedly, I’ve always preferred the sibilant over the guttural…It’s part of the reason why I decided to study Spanish back in high school over German. I like the point this particular writer raises about the Esperanto character “hx.” There’s a reason we rarely encounter it – nobody wants to try to pronounce it!
So, since I have a definite language bias, in that I prefer Romance languages over Germanic and other language families, I somewhat agree with the assessment that too many consonants hurt a language, although my opinion is that it harms the beauty moreso than the functionality. I doubt that the abundance of consonants alone hampers our favorite language that much.
What do you all think? Can consonants be a bad thing? Or is it all dependent upon one’s manner of thinking? Let us know your opinion. After all, what is a blog without reader input?
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Posted by lex
A friend of mine, who happens to be a rabid fan of a certain science-fiction series, has often jested that his Klingon language would make a worthwhile hobby for me, since I seem to enjoy obscure languages! I can’t pretend I speak Klingon, but that same friend passed along this link to start me on the right trail. I’m amazed to see a page devoted to nia plej sxatata lingvo! It goes to show you how Esperanto helps to break down language barriers, huh?
In the meantime, for a series of far more helpful Esperanto links, check out the Esperanto Links section of Arion’s Home. I happened upon this page while searching for “Esperanto Humor.” Perhaps Google thinks it funny that I’d be searching for Esperanto subjects, and so gives me a helpful link?
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Posted by lex
If you’re up for a long, thoughtful critique of Esperanto, Justin Rye has compiled a massive and thorough examination of all the things he finds inadequate about the language.
I’ve only had the time to unearth this article today, much less study it! However, if you have an opinion regarding this essay (or thesis, given its size!), then please share! I’ll post again soon, with commentary.
For the time being, I’d like to point out that Section E5, concerning the elegance of Esperanto, seems to confuse the Esperanto meaning of “mal-” with the phonetically identical English prefix. Mi povas vidi unu problemon!
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Posted by lex
Here’s an interesting critique of the Esperanto movement! This essay by Christopher Culver examines the seemingly self-contradictory Esperanto agenda. Give it a look if you have the opportunity. While I do not think Mr. Culver’s criticism provides an entirely accurate assessment of the state of the Esperanto movement, his opinions caution us not to allow the Esperanto community go as astray as he suggests!
I think that Mr. Culver’s single biggest misstep is that he assumes Esperanto is intended to replace existing languages. I always figured that the goal of Esperanto was to be an international second language, so that one could retain his or her first language, yet still be able to converse with the rest of the world. With this as the case, Esperanto shouldn’t subsume existing languages – it should instead provide an environment where it isn’t a bad thing to keep speaking one’s native tongue.
Anyhow, such is my opinion. What do you all think?
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Posted by lex
According to LexioPhiles, this particular blog has been nominated as a contender for one of the top 100 language learning blogs! You can see the voting form here. I’m thoroughly pleased…if stunned…to see the blog among so many other noteworthy candidates! Whoever nominated Transparent’s Esperanto blog, I thank you profusely!
Moreover, I’d like to thank all the readers out there who make this a worthwhile blog. The best part about learning Esperanto is becoming part of the great global community that speaks it. Courtesy of this blog, I’ve had the chance to experience it firsthand. All of your comments elevate this blog beyond what it could ever hope to be with only me at the helm.
If any of you think that the Transparent Esperanto blog is worth its salt, consider giving it a vote at LexioPhile’s contest. Gxis!
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Posted by lex
After mentioning William Auld’s list of Esperanto Classics, I went off in search of the fabled compendium myself. The best link I’ve found thus far is on Tim Westover’s blog on Esperanto-USA. He has placed links to Esperanto-USA’s bookstore for relevant works, as well, so it’s easy to find a copy of the book you want.
Take a look at the post here. Thank you kindly for your helpful list, Mr. Westover!
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Posted by lex
Finfine, la plej varmega tago de la somero alvenas! After a month of cold and rain, my part of the country is experiencing its first stretch of remotely hot weather. How well nature makes up for lost time! Where I am, it’s hot, it’s humid, and it leaves most people reaching for something to help cool them down.
Since complaints about the heat might find their way into your summer conversations, today’s post compiles a list of some useful words that could help you cool down. I’ve focused on mechanical means, because I wanted to show the ways Esperanto helps differentiate between functionally similar devices. Enjoy, and stay cool!
Klimatizilo – Air conditioner (tool for climatizing)
Ventumilo – Fan (tool for wind)
Fridujo – Refrigerator (cold container)
Frostigilo – Freezer (tool for freezing)
Another relevant tool might be a “dehumidifier,” a device used to remove the humidity from the air in your room. I haven’t yet found an exact Esperanto equivalent, but I was thinking something along the lines of “malhumidigilo” might work. If you have any words to include in this list, feel free to share them!
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Posted by lex
Since it hasn’t stopped raining where I live for the past month or so, I cannot help but be in a mildly pessimistic mood. I’ve taken to examining some of the less sunny arguments against constructed languages, thinking that my present mindset might help me to better understand a position I would not normally support. In my quest I’ve found an interesting one here, that critiques the viability of any constructed auxiliary language.
While I disagree with a few of the author’s points, the article makes for a good read. I’d recommend it, if you’ve ever had a moment where someone questioned why you study Esperanto. If anything, it will equip you with some more counterpoints to raise!
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Posted by lex
Looking for a good Esperanto read this summer? The next item on my list is the 1930s fantasy adventure, “Mr. Tot acxetas mil okulojn,” by Jean Forge. I have not yet had the chance to order it, but from what I hear, it’s supposed to be quite good. William Auld, poet extraordinaire, placed it on his “Basic Esperanto Reading List,” as one of the key reads for any interested Esperantists. I have also heard that it became a feature film in Germany, under the title “The Thousand Eyes of Doctor Mabuse.”
If you would like to procure a copy, you can find a relatively inexpensive one here. If you read it, let me know what you think!
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Posted by lex
La Tago de Sendependenco venas! En Usono, ni celebras la tagon kun la artfajrajxoj. They’re a lot of fun, and beautiful to see, but they can also be dangerous. I wish any and all of our American readers a safe holiday. However, if you’re not the most cautious reveler, here’s a handful of words that might be useful to you! Keep them in mind if you happen to light your lawn aflame.
Brulema – Flammable
Bruligxi – To combust
Estingi – To extinguish
Petardo – Firecracker
Splendajxoj – Sparklers
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