Professor Joseph Lo Bianco
Esperanto proves that the technical problems involved in ‘inventing’ a new language are able to be solved, as have many other invented languages, but by its endurance, under sometimes appalling oppression, Esperanto proves something deeper and profoundly meaningful about human ideals. These ideals relate to our continual striving for an interconnected global culture, a world in which communication problems can be tackled, internationalism promoted and cultural diversity respected.
A more pragmatic promise from Esperanto is that it offers the opportunity for millions of otherwise disadvantaged individuals to gain a respectable proficiency in a language that opens up different worlds to them.
Our schools and universities must continue to implant language study for all students, we don’t want a world in which the only monolinguals are native English speakers, but we must also be realistic and recognise the immense global standing of English. Perhaps for this reason our education institutions struggle to establish continuous, effective and serious language programs for most learners. Esperanto has much to offer in this context, given that its teaching can be integrated into regular classroom time, by mainstream teachers.
I believe that the widespread learning of human natural languages is an essential requirement for our education system, but I see a role for Esperanto within this overall approach. The current arrangements for global communication are unequally distributed, and Esperanto helps share the load more equitably. I see a place for Esperanto in the repertoire of language education options for students and I wish your program every success. Keep up the fine work.
President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
To see a more complete list of Professor Lo Bianco's credentials please click here.
A more pragmatic promise from Esperanto is that it offers the opportunity for millions of otherwise disadvantaged individuals to gain a respectable proficiency in a language that opens up different worlds to them.
Our schools and universities must continue to implant language study for all students, we don’t want a world in which the only monolinguals are native English speakers, but we must also be realistic and recognise the immense global standing of English. Perhaps for this reason our education institutions struggle to establish continuous, effective and serious language programs for most learners. Esperanto has much to offer in this context, given that its teaching can be integrated into regular classroom time, by mainstream teachers.
I believe that the widespread learning of human natural languages is an essential requirement for our education system, but I see a role for Esperanto within this overall approach. The current arrangements for global communication are unequally distributed, and Esperanto helps share the load more equitably. I see a place for Esperanto in the repertoire of language education options for students and I wish your program every success. Keep up the fine work.
President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities
To see a more complete list of Professor Lo Bianco's credentials please click here.
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