History of Esperanto: Difference between revisions
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imported>Ronald Sexton →Declaration of Boulogne to present (1905–present): added citation |
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The autonomous territory of [[Neutral Moresnet]], between Belgium and Germany, had a sizable proportion of Esperanto-speakers among its small and multiethnic population. There was a proposal to make Esperanto its official language. In 1908, it was eventually accepted alongside [[Dutch language|Dutch]], [[German language|German]], and [[French language|French]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Dylan |date=2023-10-16 |title=The forgotten tale of Neutral Moresnet |url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/742058/the-forgotten-tale-of-neutral-moresnet |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=Brussels Times |language=en}}</ref> There was also a large Esperanto group led by [[Anna Tuschinski]] in the [[Free City of Danzig]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-26 |title=Anna Eliza Tuschinski (1841–1939) |url=https://www.reformacja-pomorze.pl/2021/03/26/anna-eliza-tuschinski1841-1939/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Committee for Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in Pomerania |language=pl-PL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniluk |first=Jan |date=2017-08-13 |title=90 lat od spotkania esperantystów w Gdańsku |trans-title=90 Years Since the Meeting of Esperanto Speakers in Gdańsk |url=https://historia.trojmiasto.pl/90-lat-od-spotkania-esperantystow-w-Gdansku-n115510.html |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Trojmiasto.pl |language=pl}}</ref> | The autonomous territory of [[Neutral Moresnet]], between Belgium and Germany, had a sizable proportion of Esperanto-speakers among its small and multiethnic population. There was a proposal to make Esperanto its official language. In 1908, it was eventually accepted alongside [[Dutch language|Dutch]], [[German language|German]], and [[French language|French]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Dylan |date=2023-10-16 |title=The forgotten tale of Neutral Moresnet |url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/742058/the-forgotten-tale-of-neutral-moresnet |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=Brussels Times |language=en}}</ref> There was also a large Esperanto group led by [[Anna Tuschinski]] in the [[Free City of Danzig]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-26 |title=Anna Eliza Tuschinski (1841–1939) |url=https://www.reformacja-pomorze.pl/2021/03/26/anna-eliza-tuschinski1841-1939/ |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Committee for Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in Pomerania |language=pl-PL}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Daniluk |first=Jan |date=2017-08-13 |title=90 lat od spotkania esperantystów w Gdańsku |trans-title=90 Years Since the Meeting of Esperanto Speakers in Gdańsk |url=https://historia.trojmiasto.pl/90-lat-od-spotkania-esperantystow-w-Gdansku-n115510.html |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Trojmiasto.pl |language=pl}}</ref> | ||
In the early 1920s, a great opportunity seemed to arise for Esperanto when the [[Iran]]ian delegation to the [[League of Nations]] proposed that it be adopted for use in international relations, following a report by [[Nitobe Inazō]], an official delegate of League of Nations during the 13th World Congress of Esperanto in Prague.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zaft |first=Sylvan |title=Esperanto: A Language for the Global Village |date=2002 |publisher=Esperanto Antauen Publishing |location=Calgary |chapter=Chapter Two: From a Dream to a Reality |access-date=<!--24 February 2018--> |chapter-url=http://www.esperanto.ie/en/zaft/zaft_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002210/http://www.esperanto.ie/en/zaft/zaft_2.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead |via=Website of the Esperanto Association of Ireland}}</ref> Ten delegates accepted the proposal with only one voice against, the French delegate, [[Gabriel Hanotaux]], who employed France's Council veto privilege to squash all League attempts at the recognition of Esperanto, starting on the first vote on 18 December 1920 and continuing through the next three years.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} Hanotaux did not like how the French language was losing its position as the international language and saw Esperanto as a threat. However, two years later the League recommended that its member states include Esperanto in their educational curricula. The French retaliated by banning all instruction in Esperanto in French schools and universities.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} The French Ministry of Instruction said that acceptance of Esperanto would mean that "French and English would perish and that the literary standard of the world would be debased".{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}} Nonetheless, many people see the 1920s as the heyday of the Esperanto movement. | In the early 1920s, a great opportunity seemed to arise for Esperanto when the [[Iran]]ian delegation to the [[League of Nations]] proposed that it be adopted for use in international relations, following a report by [[Nitobe Inazō]], an official delegate of League of Nations during the 13th World Congress of Esperanto in Prague.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zaft |first=Sylvan |title=Esperanto: A Language for the Global Village |date=2002 |publisher=Esperanto Antauen Publishing |location=Calgary |chapter=Chapter Two: From a Dream to a Reality |access-date=<!--24 February 2018--> |chapter-url=http://www.esperanto.ie/en/zaft/zaft_2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924002210/http://www.esperanto.ie/en/zaft/zaft_2.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead |via=Website of the Esperanto Association of Ireland}}</ref> Ten delegates accepted the proposal with only one voice against, the French delegate, [[Gabriel Hanotaux]], who employed France's Council veto privilege to squash all League attempts at the recognition of Esperanto, starting on the first vote on 18 December 1920 and continuing through the next three years.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Dangera Lingvo: Studo Pri La Persekutoj Kontrau Esperanto - Lins, Ulrich: 9785010031367 - AbeBooks |url=https://www.abebooks.com/9785010031367/Dangera-Lingvo-Studo-Pri-Persekutoj-5010031361/plp |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.abebooks.com |language=en}}</ref> Hanotaux did not like how the French language was losing its position as the international language and saw Esperanto as a threat. However, two years later the League recommended that its member states include Esperanto in their educational curricula. The French retaliated by banning all instruction in Esperanto in French schools and universities.{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Dangera Lingvo: Studo Pri La Persekutoj Kontrau Esperanto - Lins, Ulrich: 9785010031367 - AbeBooks |url=https://www.abebooks.com/9785010031367/Dangera-Lingvo-Studo-Pri-Persekutoj-5010031361/plp |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.abebooks.com |language=en}}</ref> The French Ministry of Instruction said that acceptance of Esperanto would mean that "French and English would perish and that the literary standard of the world would be debased".{{Citation needed|date=August 2020}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Dangera Lingvo: Studo Pri La Persekutoj Kontrau Esperanto - Lins, Ulrich: 9785010031367 - AbeBooks |url=https://www.abebooks.com/9785010031367/Dangera-Lingvo-Studo-Pri-Persekutoj-5010031361/plp |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.abebooks.com |language=en}}</ref> Nonetheless, many people see the 1920s as the heyday of the Esperanto movement. | ||
In 1941, the Soviet Union started performing mass arrests, deportations, and killings of many Esperantists and their relatives for fear of an anti-nationalistic movement, but it was interrupted by the [[Operation Barbarossa|Nazi invasion]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sutton |first=Geoffrey |title=Concise Encyclopedia of the Original Literature of Esperanto 1887–2007 |date=2008 |publisher=Mondial |isbn=978-1-59569-090-6 |location=New York |page=162 |language=en}}</ref> | In 1941, the Soviet Union started performing mass arrests, deportations, and killings of many Esperantists and their relatives for fear of an anti-nationalistic movement, but it was interrupted by the [[Operation Barbarossa|Nazi invasion]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sutton |first=Geoffrey |title=Concise Encyclopedia of the Original Literature of Esperanto 1887–2007 |date=2008 |publisher=Mondial |isbn=978-1-59569-090-6 |location=New York |page=162 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
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[[File:Sixday.jpg|thumb|A Soviet calendar page for 22 October 1935 including the Esperanto ''oktobro'' among other translations.]] | [[File:Sixday.jpg|thumb|A Soviet calendar page for 22 October 1935 including the Esperanto ''oktobro'' among other translations.]] | ||
In the early years of the [[Soviet Union]], Esperanto was given a measure of government support, and an officially recognized Soviet Esperanto Association came into being.<ref name="Harlow">[http://donh.best.vwh.net/Esperanto/EBook/chap07.html Donald J. Harlow, The Esperanto Book, chapter 7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201024512/http://donh.best.vwh.net/Esperanto/EBook/chap07.html |date=1 December 2010 }}</ref> However, in 1937, Stalin reversed this policy and the use of Esperanto was effectively banned until 1956.<ref name="Harlow" /> | In the early years of the [[Soviet Union]], Esperanto was given a measure of government support, and an officially recognized Soviet Esperanto Association came into being.<ref name="Harlow">[http://donh.best.vwh.net/Esperanto/EBook/chap07.html Donald J. Harlow, The Esperanto Book, chapter 7] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201024512/http://donh.best.vwh.net/Esperanto/EBook/chap07.html |date=1 December 2010 }}</ref> However, in 1937, Stalin reversed this policy and the use of Esperanto was effectively banned until 1956.<ref name="Harlow" /> | ||
While Esperanto itself was not enough cause for execution, its use was extended among Jews or trade unionists and encouraged contacts with foreigners.{{ | While Esperanto itself was not enough cause for execution, its use was extended among Jews or trade unionists and encouraged contacts with foreigners.<ref>{{Cite web |last=PLACEHOLDER |first=REPRINT AUTHOR |title=Why Hitler and Stalin Hated Esperanto, the 135-Year-Old Language of Peace |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/why-hitler-and-stalin-hated-esperanto-the-135-year-old-language-of-peace-180980472/ |access-date=2026-05-20 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=La Dangera Lingvo: Studo Pri La Persekutoj Kontrau Esperanto - Lins, Ulrich: 9785010031367 - AbeBooks |url=https://www.abebooks.com/9785010031367/Dangera-Lingvo-Studo-Pri-Persekutoj-5010031361/plp |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.abebooks.com |language=en}}</ref> | ||
[[Kingdom of Italy under Fascism (1922–1943)|Fascist Italy]], on the other hand, made some efforts of promoting [[tourism in Italy]] through Esperanto leaflets and appreciated the similarities of Italian and Esperanto. | [[Kingdom of Italy under Fascism (1922–1943)|Fascist Italy]], on the other hand, made some efforts of promoting [[tourism in Italy]] through Esperanto leaflets and appreciated the similarities of Italian and Esperanto. | ||
[[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Portugal's right-wing governments]] cracked down on the language from 1936 until they were deposed in the [[Carnation Revolution]] of 1974.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Melo |first=Daniel |date=2022-04-01 |title= | [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Portugal's right-wing governments]] cracked down on the language from 1936 until they were deposed in the [[Carnation Revolution]] of 1974.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Melo |first=Daniel |date=2022-04-01 |title='Living Normally': Everyday Life Under Salazarism |url=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02656914221085129 |journal=European History Quarterly |language=en |volume=52 |issue=2 |pages=200–220 |doi=10.1177/02656914221085129 |issn=0265-6914|hdl=10362/138560 |hdl-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Nelsson |first1=Richard |last2=Nelsson |first2=compiled by Richard |date=2024-04-24 |title=Portugal's Carnation Revolution – archive, April 1974 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2024/apr/24/portugal-carnation-revolution-archive-1974 |access-date=2025-02-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> After the [[Spanish Civil War]], [[Francoist Spain]] cracked down on the [[Anarchism in Spain|Anarchists]] and [[Catalan nationalist]]s among whom the speaking of Esperanto had been quite widespread; but in the 1950s, the Esperanto movement was tolerated again,<ref name="Del Barrio">''[http://www.nodo50.org/esperanto/artik68es.htm La utilización del esperanto durante la Guerra Civil Española]'', [[Toño del Barrio]] and [[Ulrich Lins]]. Paper for the International Congress on the Spanish Civil War, (Madrid, 27–29 November 2006).</ref> with [[Francisco Franco]] accepting the honorary patronage of the [[Madrid World Esperanto Congress]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2015}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=La Dangera Lingvo: Studo Pri La Persekutoj Kontrau Esperanto - Lins, Ulrich: 9785010031367 - AbeBooks |url=https://www.abebooks.com/9785010031367/Dangera-Lingvo-Studo-Pri-Persekutoj-5010031361/plp |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=www.abebooks.com |language=en}}</ref> | ||
The [[Cold War]], especially in the 1950s and 1960s, put a damper on the Esperanto movement as well, as there were fears on both sides that Esperanto could be used for enemy propaganda. However, the language experienced something of a renaissance in the 1970s and spread to new parts of the world, such as its veritable explosion in popularity in Iran in 1975. By 1991 there were enough African Esperantists to warrant a pan-African congress. The language continues to spread, although it is not officially recognised by any country, and is part of the state educational curriculum of only a few. | The [[Cold War]], especially in the 1950s and 1960s, put a damper on the Esperanto movement as well, as there were fears on both sides that Esperanto could be used for enemy propaganda. However, the language experienced something of a renaissance in the 1970s and spread to new parts of the world, such as its veritable explosion in popularity in Iran in 1975. By 1991 there were enough African Esperantists to warrant a pan-African congress. The language continues to spread, although it is not officially recognised by any country, and is part of the state educational curriculum of only a few. | ||
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== Evolution of the language == | == Evolution of the language == | ||
The [[Declaration of Boulogne]](1905) limited changes to Esperanto. That declaration stated, among other things, that the basis of the language should remain the {{lang|eo|Fundamento de Esperanto|italics=yes}} ("Foundation of Esperanto", a group of early works by Zamenhof), which is to be binding forever: nobody has the right to make changes to it. The declaration also permits new concepts to be expressed as the speaker sees fit, but it recommends doing so in accordance with the original style. | The [[Declaration of Boulogne]] (1905) limited changes to Esperanto. That declaration stated, among other things, that the basis of the language should remain the {{lang|eo|Fundamento de Esperanto|italics=yes}} ("Foundation of Esperanto", a group of early works by Zamenhof), which is to be binding forever: nobody has the right to make changes to it. The declaration also permits new concepts to be expressed as the speaker sees fit, but it recommends doing so in accordance with the original style. | ||
Many Esperantists believe this declaration stabilising the language is a major reason why the Esperanto speaker community grew beyond the levels attained by other constructed languages and has developed a flourishing culture. Other constructed languages have been hindered from developing a stable speaking community by continual tinkering. Also, many developers of constructed languages have been possessive of their creation and have worked to prevent others from contributing to the language. One such ultimately disastrous case was [[Johann Martin Schleyer|Schleyer]]'s [[Volapük]]. In contrast, Zamenhof declared that "Esperanto belongs to the Esperantists", and moved to the background once the language was published, allowing others to share in the early development of the language. | Many Esperantists believe this declaration stabilising the language is a major reason why the Esperanto speaker community grew beyond the levels attained by other constructed languages and has developed a flourishing culture. Other constructed languages have been hindered from developing a stable speaking community by continual tinkering. Also, many developers of constructed languages have been possessive of their creation and have worked to prevent others from contributing to the language. One such ultimately disastrous case was [[Johann Martin Schleyer|Schleyer]]'s [[Volapük]]. In contrast, Zamenhof declared that "Esperanto belongs to the Esperantists", and moved to the background once the language was published, allowing others to share in the early development of the language. | ||
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* 2004: The [[Europe–Democracy–Esperanto]] party (E°D°E°) contests the [[2004 European Parliament election|European Parliament elections]] in France, on a platform of making Esperanto the second language of all EU member states, taking 0.15% of the vote. | * 2004: The [[Europe–Democracy–Esperanto]] party (E°D°E°) contests the [[2004 European Parliament election|European Parliament elections]] in France, on a platform of making Esperanto the second language of all EU member states, taking 0.15% of the vote. | ||
* 2007: [[Israel]] issues a stamp to commemorate 120 years of Esperanto (1887–2007). An image of Zamenhof is designed in a text describing his life, reproduced from the Wikipedia article on Esperanto. The corner of the tab shows the flag of the Esperanto movement. | * 2007: [[Israel]] issues a stamp to commemorate 120 years of Esperanto (1887–2007). An image of Zamenhof is designed in a text describing his life, reproduced from the Wikipedia article on Esperanto. The corner of the tab shows the flag of the Esperanto movement. | ||
* 2009: The [[Senate of Brazil]] passed a bill which would make Esperanto an optional part of the curriculum in its [[state school]]s. As of 2010 the bill has not yet been passed by the [[Chamber of Deputies of Brazil|Chamber of Deputies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PLS 27/2008 |url=https://www25.senado.leg.br/web/atividade/materias/-/materia/83989 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Senado Federal |language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PL-6162/2009 |url=https://www.camara.leg.br/proposicoesWeb/fichadetramitacao?idProposicao=454210 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Portal da Câmara dos Deputados |language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-18 |title=Entidades manifestam apoio à proposta de incluir ensino de Esperanto na grade de disciplinas da rede pública |url=https://www12.senado.leg.br/noticias/materias/2009/06/18/entidades-manifestam-apoio-a-proposta-de-incluir-ensino-de-esperanto-na-grade-de-disciplinas-da-rede-publica |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Senado Notícias |language=pt}}</ref> | * 2009: The [[Senate of Brazil]] passed a bill which would make Esperanto an optional part of the curriculum in its [[state school]]s. As of 2010 the bill has not yet been passed by the [[Chamber of Deputies of Brazil|Chamber of Deputies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=PLS 27/2008 |url=https://www25.senado.leg.br/web/atividade/materias/-/materia/83989 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Senado Federal |language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=PL-6162/2009 |url=https://www.camara.leg.br/proposicoesWeb/fichadetramitacao?idProposicao=454210 |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Portal da Câmara dos Deputados |language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-06-18 |title=Entidades manifestam apoio à proposta de incluir ensino de Esperanto na grade de disciplinas da rede pública |url=https://www12.senado.leg.br/noticias/materias/2009/06/18/entidades-manifestam-apoio-a-proposta-de-incluir-ensino-de-esperanto-na-grade-de-disciplinas-da-rede-publica |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Senado Notícias |language=pt}}</ref>{{needs update|date=October 2025}} | ||
* 2015: The 100th [[World Esperanto Congress]] is held in [[Lille]], France. [[Duolingo]] launches its Esperanto program. | * 2015: The 100th [[World Esperanto Congress]] is held in [[Lille]], France. [[Duolingo]] launches its Esperanto program. | ||
* 2017: [[Amikumu]] is launched, an app connecting Esperantists with other local Esperantists throughout the world. | * 2017: [[Amikumu]] is launched, an app connecting Esperantists with other local Esperantists throughout the world. | ||
