esperantists

Esperantists are people who learn and use Esperanto, a constructed international auxiliary language created by Ludwik Lejzer Zamenhof and published in 1887. They participate in a global movement that aims to facilitate international communication and cultural exchange through a neutral second language.

Esperanto’s design emphasizes regular grammar and morphology, with a vocabulary drawn from European languages. It was intended to be easier to learn than many natural languages and to serve as a neutral linguistic bridge for speakers of diverse backgrounds.

Organizationally, the Esperanto movement relies on national associations, clubs, and international bodies such as the Universal Esperanto Association (Universala Esperanto-Asocio, UEA). The World Esperanto Congress (Universala Kongreso) is the largest annual gathering, held since 1905 in different cities, with interruptions during wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. The movement also supports literature, music, education, travel, and international exchange conducted through Esperanto.

Estimates of active Esperanto speakers vary; figures commonly cited range from tens of thousands to a few hundred thousand, with broader familiarity higher due to education and online use. In the digital era, online communities, courses, and translation projects sustain ongoing activity, while discussions continue about Esperanto’s practical role amid widespread use of natural languages.