What is Esperanto? · Kio estas Esperanto?
Esperanto is a truly democratic international language: neutral, richly expressive and relatively easy to learn. Esperanto favors no one nationality, ethnicity, religion, or political ideology. It's a shared second language that allows people from different countries to communicate on an equal footing. And it works!
For more than a century, millions around the world have used Esperanto to make friends and bridge international barriers. In the process they've spawned a thriving literature with tens of thousands of translated and original works from cultures large and small. There are dozens of Esperanto periodicals and radio broadcasts, and hundreds of groups for every interest. Every day, Esperanto is used for an international convention, conference, or other event somewhere in the world.
Esperanto also offers practical advantages for travellers. Instead of exploring a foreign city through a tour guide, why not learn about it from the people who live there? Even better, why not stay with friendly locals for free? Thousands of world travellers are doing just that — trekking around the globe with the Pasporta Servo, which offers free lodging to Esperanto-speaking tourists in over 90 countries.
Who we are · Kiu ni estas
We're an informal group of UR students, alumni, and staff interested in learning and using Esperanto. We welcome members of the greater Rochester community interested in languages, travel, linguistic/cultural diversity and world literature.
What we do · Kion ni faras
Greater Rochester is very fortunate to have its own Esperanto-speaking community, including its own denaskuloj (native speakers of Esperanto). We work to both benefit from and support this local resource by building community ties and coordinating local events.
We also offer free Esperanto classes open to both the UR and greater Rochester communities, and we hold regular meetings to help beginning and progressing students practice in a casual, supportive atmosphere.
Find out more · Eksciu pli
Contact us at esperanto at lodestone dot org to find out about upcoming classes and events. You can also subscribe to our mailing list: send a message to lists at lodestone dot org with the subject: subscribe ur-esperanto