IT WAS envisaged as a universal tongue that would bring harmony to the world, but only a small band of enthusiasts continues to give voice to its charms.
But Esperanto, a language created more than a century ago by a Polish ophthalmologist, might be on the verge of a revival. The linguistic oddity is to feature in a television advertising drive by one of the nation's main retailers, raising hopes tha
t the publicity will encourage more people to learn the language.
Littlewoods Direct is incorporating the language in a campaign for its new clothing lines. With only about 2,500 speakers in Britain, it is unlikely many viewers will make sense of the advert when it debuts next week. Nevertheless, David Inglis, a spokesman for the retailer, said it was believed that the language, which sounds like a fusion of Spanish and Hungarian, evokes feelings of beauty and style.
Should the public agree, and decide to make further investigations, no-one will be as delighted as David Bisset.
A retired librarian, he is secretary of the Scottish Esperanto Association (SEA). Though his group is small in number, with about 100 members, it is sprightly, regularly holding workshops and study sessions. Scotland – or Skotlando, as Mr Bisset would have it – has more reason than most to cherish Esperanto, which was conceived as "the international language of understanding" by Lejzer Ludwik Zamenhof.
His experiences in a Warsaw divided into Russian, German, Polish and Yiddish quadrants inspired him to create a common second language.
William Auld, the late Scottish author, did much to raise awareness of the language. The writer, who died in 2006, was twice nominated for a Nobel prize by Pen, the international writers' organisation. He translated Shakespeare's sonnets and the works of Burns into Esperanto, and the SEA last year reissued some of his books.
Mr Bisset said: "Auld's books show Scotland has a strong link with Esperanto. It allows us to be opened up to different cultures and nations, and to let them know about Scottishness.
"We are unrepenting internationalists. Having our common language pulls us all together in a remarkable way."
Though he does not anticipate a deluge of inquiries following the advertisement's airing, he believes learning Esperanto is an invaluable experience.
"It is a language which allows you to achieve an excellent level of fluency in the spoken and written word, and make touch with people from all around the world. It's popular in Brazil and China, and we even see flickers of uptake in countries like Iran."
Stephen Thompson of the Esperanto Association of Britain added: "We believe the need for Esperanto has never been greater and we really look forward to seeing the ad, it sounds very exciting."
Today, it is estimated that only about 1.5 million people speak Esperanto worldwide. It was frowned upon by certain regimes due to the relative simplicity of its grammar.
Stalin persecuted Esperanto speakers because he believed the language was too cosmopolitan, while Hitler dismissed it as a language of the Jews.
Learn the lingo: Some useful phrasesMi lernas la Esperanton dum unu monato – I've been learning Esperanto for one month
Unu lingvo neniam estas sufica – One language is never enough
Mi ne komprenas vin – I do not understand you
Bonvole – Please
Estas bela tago – It is a nice day
Bonan sancon – Good luck
Unu bieron, mi petas – One beer, please
Cu vi edzinigus kun mi? – Will you marry me?
Gis la revid – Goodbye
Felican naskigtagon – Happy birthday
Vi belegas! – You look hot!
Mi havas kapdoloron – I've got a headache
Dankon – Thank you
Voku la policon! – Call the police!
Parolu pli malrapide, mi petas – Please speak more slowly
Kia estis via semajnfino? – How was your weekend?
Havu bonan tagon – Have a good day
Havu tason da teo – Have a cup of tea
Saluton – Hello
Bonvenon – Welcome
Bonan matenon – Good morning
Gratulojn – Congratulations
Kiom kostas tio? – How much is this?
Kiel vi nomigas – What is your name?
