I am a native English speaker and recently started learning Esperanto a few weeks ago. I was inspired by a TED Talk that explained how Esperanto is an excellent first choice for those interested in acquiring multiple languages.
Due to its relative simplicity, learning Esperanto effectively prepares your brain for learning additional languages, making the process quicker and smoother.
So how many here speak different languages and what are they?
Man, TED talks suck.
That guy scammed you into learning a conlang with the excuse that it does something that all languages do and nobody is even telling you.
Just learn a romance language if you want access to a family of concepts that will carry over easily, friend. It comes with the bonus of being able to talk to people.
Anyway, I’m often light on personal info here, but I’m in a bilingual territory, learned English as a kid, the basics of a couple others through life stuff and I get a few more through osmosis because all languages do that Esperanto trick.
Well here in the US, and in the state I’m in, not a lot of bilingual needs. I know Spanish is pretty popular in a lot of places, and I’ll eventually learn it. But since I’m 55 years old, esperanto seemed more fun. And it’s got an interesting history. Thanks!
All languages do that, yes, but as Esperanto is easier than the others, it makes it a very good first language.
I learnt English at school for almost 10 years without being able to have a discussion. I learnt Esperanto in a few months, actually used it to communicate with foreigners, and a few months after I was able to communicate in English. My English is still far from perfect, but without Esperanto I wouldn’t even be here.
That seems more like a teaching methodology problem than a target language problem. Honestly, I don’t know where you are, but the way English is taught in schools in many regions is terrible, so that doesn’t tell you too much about the relative merits of learning Esperanto.
But hey, if you got it out of your system that’s good for you. I don’t begrudge anybody learning a language, even if it’s a made up one. I just wouldn’t want to support the idea that monolinguals should go out of their way to tackle conlangs, or Esperanto specifically. Go learn something you’re curious and motivated about.
Yes, you’re right that it’s a methodology problem (I’m in France), and even more right when you say that motivation is the key. It’s easier to learn a harder language if you’re motivated than an easier one but without motivation.
However, because of its regularity, Esperanto is objectively easier than all natural languages. And it’s a thing to take into account.