ELNA UPDATE Issue 4, 1994 Esperanto League for North America ESPERANTIST WINS NOBEL PRIZE Professor Reinhard Selten recently received a Nobel prize in economics for his work which applied game theory to real-world models. Selten is a Life Member of the World Esperanto Association (UEA) and several other regional and technical Esperanto organizations. In addition to his Prize-winning research, Selten also collabo- rated on a book about language theory Ĉu mi lernu Esperanton? Enkonduko en la teorion de lingvaj ludoj (Should I Learn Esperanto? Introduction to the Theory of Language Games). Since the announcement of the Nobel Prize, this book has sold out in all bookstores! Three other Esperantists have won Nobel Prizes, one each for chemistry, physics and peace. Six other Nobel prize winners have formally supported Esperanto. POLYLINGUAL DELIGHTS At the Asian Games being held in Japan, the official languages were English and Japanese. A Japanese translator asked a crowd of journalists in Japanese "Does anybody here speak Japanese but no English?" A few people raised their hand. He then asked in English "Does anybody here speak English but no Japanese?" Again a few people raised their hand. Then he used both languag- es to say "Does anybody here speak neither English nor Japanese?" Nobody raised their hand. He said "OK! Good!". A Chinese reporter then asked his colleague, "What is this guy saying?" [People's Daily (North American edition)] IS ENGLISH UNIVERSAL? Although English is an official language in the Republic of the Philippines, fluency is declining among Filipino students, Education Secretary Armand Fabella says. "We must admit that we are no longer as good as before when it comes to the English language. It is a big problem in the provinces." Fabella said that students no longer get the opportunity to practice English because of the increasing role of Filipino, a Malay language, in radio, television and cinema. English and Filipino are both official languages. While the former is widely used in business and government, among themselves Filipinos usually speak Filipino or another of more than a hundred indigenous languages. "We have to improve the English instruction we're giving if education is to be the great equalizer," Fabella said. Successive governments have sought to promote Filipino as the national language at the expense of English and the regional languages. But many consider Filipino to be merely a glorified form of Tagalog, the local language of the Manilla area. These proposals have led to complaints from speakers of other regional languages. English supplanted Spanish as the "lingua franca" when the U.S. seized the islands from Spain in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. [AssociatedPress] ...NEUTRAL? The world's longest sit-in, now in its seventh year, has revived an acrimonious row over the exalted status of the English language in India. Three young men have been seated beneath a fading canvass since Aug 16, 1988 demanding an end to the English-language examinations required to enter government service. A star-studded group of politicians paid them a visit recently to express solidarity, dubbing English elitist and a legacy of the British Raj. The visit ignited passions in Parliament, where MPs clashed over the use of English by the govern- ment, and renewed the debate about a language known by only a tiny minority of Indians. "English is posing a serious threat to Indian ethos," said Ravinder Singh Dhami, one of the three protestors. "It is a language of the elite and the language of only a few." Several attempts to banish English since India's independence in 1947 have failed because of resistance by those who fear that Hindi would be thrust on non-Hindi speakers. [Associated Press] ...LOGICAL? Who said English is logical? If we "dust" a table, we remove dust from it, but when we "dust" crops, we put dust on them. When an alarm "goes off it makes a sound, but when it again "goes off it stops making the sound. If we say that Chris is a "good looker" who "takes" a good photo, we may mean either that she is attractive and looks good in photos, or that she's a good observer and photographer. In his new book Crazy English Richard Lederer "gives out" (provides) many examples of such opposite-meaning words; the list never seems to "give out" (stop providing). Lederer has even coined a new word for such self-contradictory words: "contronyms." [Hartford Courant] BIBLE TRANSLATIONS The Christian Bible has been translated -at least in part- into 2,062 languages, according to the United Bible Societies. 44 of these translations were first published last year. The complete Bible is available in 337 of the world's (estimated) 6,000 languages. [Associated Press] Of course the elegant Esperanto translation, largely the work of Zamenhof himself, has been selling briskly since it first appeared over half of a century ago. FILM AS UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE In a recent interview Japan's most famous film director Kurasawa Akira said "Nothing succeeds more than film in getting people from various countries to understand each other. On screen, Japanese people cry and laugh about life's problems. Foreign audiences watching the film have the same reaction and the result is a degree of mutual understanding. That's why I'm always saying that movies are a world plaza, and play a role similar to Esperanto." [Mainichi Shimbun] SEVERAL NEW ESPERANTO HOUSES The Esperanto Federation of India was recently able to purchase an office in the suburbs of Calcutta. The International Catholic Esperantist Union has purchased a permanent office/apartment in Rome. The Japanese Esperanto Institute just inaugurated their new retreat center in a beautiful forest setting 150 km from Tokyo. The Budapest Esperanto House opened its doors to the public as library and guest-house. And perhaps most importantly, the Lithuanian Esperanto House was estab- lished in the very building in which Zamenhof s father-in- law once resided! [Esperanto of UEA] (^E13/Uz 1995 ifoutĥ Esperanto Weekend, March 17-19, Lancaster Til, for details mitt to: Joseph Trwng, 623 2nd St., Lancaster TA 17603 M-CaŬfomm Esperanto Conjmnce, April 7-9, Santa "Barbara CA, Tor details contact: 'Dorothy Sdokand, 5140 San Lorenzo Dr., Santa (Barbara CA 93111; e-mail: 72644.2450@compuserve.com "Esperanto Workshop at San francisco State University, June 26 - July 14. Tor details contact Cathy Schuke, 410 DarreU Rd, Hillsborough CA 94010. This year the teachers %vi(l be SpomenhuStimec, Atiljo OreQana Rojas and Duncan Charters. Esperanto Courses at University of Hartford, July 10-15. Contact: Hilda Qrossmm, 200 BhomfieU Av., "West Hartford CT 06117. Teaching staff lOiT include Joseph Conroy. EL9&. Amuaf Convention, July 15-17, Ngm) Cfort riff. Details to be announced World Esperanto Convention, Jvdy 22-28, Tampere, Tinŭmd Tor info and registration forms vMte to: ELNA, T.O. "Bex 1129, El Cerrito CA 94530 or UEA, Hi&uwe "Binnenweg 176, NE-3015 "BJ Rotterdam, Netherlands InternationalJfoutĥ Esperanto Convention, July 31 - August 8, St. Tetersburg, "Russia, Tor info and registration forms unite to: ELNA, T.O. "B(Kjll29, El Cerrito CA 94530 or TEJO, Nteuwe Binnenweg 176, NP-3015 "BJ Rotterdam, "Netherlands Tor travel arrangements contact: Esperanto Travel Service, 6104 La Sale Av„ Oakland CA 94611; (510)339-2001 ESPERANTO EXAMINATIONS Are you curious about how much Esperanto you know? Do you need documentation of your competence in the language? If so, here's the solution: Take one of our Esperanto examinations! They come in three levels - basic ("Komencgrada"), inter- mediate ("Duagrada"), and advanced ("Supera"). And you can take them wherever you live and whenever it's conve- nient. Here's how. First, decide which level fits your needs. If in doubt, send for a syllabus detailing the test contents (see address be- low). Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). Then, find a local Esperantist or a local teacher (of any subject) who agrees to administer your test. (No knowl- edge of Esperanto is necessary.) The only equipment needed will be a tape-recorder (two for the "Duagrada"). Next, send us the name and address of your test adminis- trator, the test-level you desire, and a $5.00 check (made out to Dorothy Holland), and we will mail instructions and the necessary materials to your administrator. That's all there is to it! If you pass, you will receive an official certificate. If you do exceptionally well, it will say "with distinction". If you don't pass, all is not lost; you may take the test again at a later date (after further study, of course!). Also, don't forget ELNAs Correspondence Courses. For description and/or registration form send SASE to: Dorothy Holland, 5140 San Lorenzo Dr., Santa Barbara CA 93111 NEW FROM THE BOOK SERVICE BIBLIOTEKA TERMINARO, Doug PORTMAN & Koralo. This six-language dictionary is necessary for librarians and also quite valuable for anybody interested in research or any technical application of any of the six languages used — Esperanto, English, Chinese, French, German, Spanish. 1989, 239p. Bound. China. ISBN 7-80045-498-3 BIB001 $14.25/$13.5S FRANCA ANTOLOGIO, Div. This three-volume set ranges from Racine to Cocteau, touching on many French classics. A perfect demonstration of Esperanto's usefulness as a bridge language, for these translations maintain more of the rich flavors of the French than any English translation. 1991, 408+402+364p. Paper. France. ISSN 0775-7698 FRA004 $58.95/$56.00 INVENTO DE L'JARCENTO, Julian MODEST. These five short plays (two comedies, three "dramas") are written in a small scale, for they require between two and six actors. Yet they are deep in subject matter, dealing with themes of love, youth, communication, etc. 1993, 79p. Paper. Bulgaria. INV001 $2.50/$2.35 JAMBOREA LINGVO,/.E. HAMMER. Although intended for Scouts and printed by the Esperanto Scouts League, this small handbook would serve anyone well as an introduction to the International Language. Illustrated. 1994,124p. Paper. Netherlands. ISBN 90-71205-51-7 JAM001 $4.25/$4.05 KEMIA KAJ SCIENC-TEKNIKA VORTARO, Doug PORT- MAN & Donald ROGERS. This trilingual (Esperanto-English- German) dictionary is necessary for any scientist and recom- mended for anyone with any interest in technical terminology. 1993, 298p. Paper. USA. KEM001 $19.9S/$18.95 KLOPODU KOMPRENIMIN!,/i2>aKANKKUNEN. Intended as an instruction manual for parents of hearing-impaired children, this book could also help anyone who has any kind of interaction with hearing-impaired persons. 1994, 50p. Paper. Germany. ISBN 3-89240-085-7 KLO001 $9.75/$9.25 KJUMO KAJ PUNO, Fjodor DOSTOJEVSKU. Trans. Andrej PAITFENTJEV. Perhaps the greatest novel ever written, finally available in Esperanto! Is it not time to re-read this Classic? Number 28 in the East-West Series. 1993, 488p. Bound. Russia. KRT001 $30.95/$29.40 MALICA KOMIZO, LA, Wenceslao FERNANDEZ-FLOREZ. Trans. Ferdando DE DIEGO. A stylish and urbane novel whose lofty humour is based in wisdom. 1993, 167p. Bound. Russia. MAL007 $10.00/$9.5G MIL UNUAJ VORTOJ EN ESPERANTO, Heather AMERY. This is the cleverest, most fun vocabulary-building book ever published in Esperanto. The large page layout encourages use in groups. 111. by Stephen CARTWWGHT. 1994,63p. Bound. England. ISBN 0 902756 15 X MIL002 $20.00/$19.00 MUMINVALO, Tove JANSSON. Trans. Eckard BICK. This collection of phantasy stories is not only for children, and not at all for beginners. Handsomely illustrated (by the author) with line drawings on almost every page. Reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, but with richer and loftier language. Second edition 1993, 109p. Paper. Finland. ISBN 952-9829-00-0 MTJM001 $18.25/$17.35 PINOKJO, C. COLLODI. Trans. Mirza MARCHES/. For too many years this charming classic story has been unavailable in Esperanto. This reprint of the 1930 translation preserves the lovely drawings. 111. by W.H. MATTHEWS. Second edition 1981, 150p. Paper. Italy. PIN001 $13.25/$12.60 PORDOJ, Stefan MacGILL. We all know that anything MacGill publishes will be both amusing and useful. This collection of sketches and exercises is well-suited for class or club. 111. by Katie KEATES. Second edition 1987, 84p. Paper. Belgium. POR004 $4.95/$4.70 POŜTKARTO Svisa. This visually busy black & white collage is quite popular at European Youth meetings. Modern, silly and fun. 1994. Switzerland. POS002 $.35 REFOJE KRIMNOVELOJ SEP, Ronald Cecil GATES. A sequel to the successful collection Sep krimnoveloj. Seven more clever stories. 1994, 90p. Paper. Australia. ISBN 0 646 18549 7 REF002 $9.00/$8.55 SHIRTS Unpp/a Problemo? ■ Esperantiĝul. This bright colorful shirt is a real attention-getter! The large portrait suggests a pensive Einstein as seen by Munch. Original artwork by Scott Sayre, painter, muralist and supporter of Esperanto. 1994. USA. $15.00/$14.25 Small - SHI041 Medium - SHI042 Large - SHI043 X-Large - SHI044 XX-Large - SHI045 SPARTAKO, James Leslie MITCHELL. Trans. William AULD. The source of a very popular film is now available in Esperanto translation by one of the greatest living poets in the International Language. 1993, 220p. Bound. Russia. SPA001 15.S0/$14.70 STRATOJ DE AŜKELONO, Harry HARRISON. Trans. William AULD. Is this science fiction or a reinterpretation of history? Did extra-terrestrial beings influence religiously significant events? See for yourself! 1994, 24p. Paper. Russia. STR001 $2.95/$2.80 Esperanto League for North America P.O. Box 1129 El Cerrito CA 94530 Tel. (510)653-0998; Fax: (510)653-1468 e-mail: elna@netcom.com Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Berkeley CA Permit No. 330 fn this issue... ♦ Nobel Prize for Esperantist ♦ English in Focus ♦ New Esperanto Houses ♦ Esperanto Exams 0 More New Books ELNA Membership Benefits • A bi-monthly newsletter keeping you up to date on issues of importance to Esperantists • The ELNA Book and Tape Service catalogs and the ELNA Membership List • Discounts on most items carried by the ELNA Book and Tape Services • The quarterly ELNA Update with information on the world language problem and Esperanto as a possible solution • The satisfaction of contributing materially to the propagation of Esperanto in the U.S.A. Non-Member "Friend, of Esperanto" A "Friend of Esperanto" is not a dues-paying member of ELNA and therefore not eligible for the regular membership benefits. Instead, a "Friend" offers encouragement to the Esperanto movement by providing financial support. A "Friend" receives: Four issues of the ELNA Update via first-class mail. ELNA Update keeps you abreast of the world language problem and Esperanto as a possible solution The ELNA Book and Tape Service catalogs 1995 ELNA MEMBERSHIP FORM Please show the type of membership or support by an X in the appropriate brackets. All memberships are on a calendar-year basis, January 1st - December 31st. For items marked (*) we must have your birth date. NOTE: Your address, telephone and fax numbers and computer network address will be published in the yearly membership list unless you indicate otherwise here: Do NOT publish: Oaddress O phone number Ofax number Onetwork address Name:___________________ Address:_________________ City/State/Zip:____________ Phone Number:___________ Computer Network Address: Amateur Radio Call:_______ Birthdate: Fax Number: Membership Categories [ ] Individual............. $30.CX) [ 1 Family ............... $45.00 [ ] Sustaining............. $60.00 [ ] Life (*) .............. $600.00 [ ] Youth ("Under 27)....... $15.00 [ ] Limited Income......... $15.00 Other Forms of Support [ ] Friend of Esperanto...... $10.00 [ ] Donation..............$_____ Return this form with payment to: Esperanto League for North America P.O. Box 1129, El Cerrito CA 94530