LNA UPDATE Quarterly Newsletter published by the Esperanto 1 eatjue for North America 3/1998 FO box 1129 - LI Cerrito CA 94550 « USA_____________________________15SN 1081-6224 NEWS FROM THE WORLD ESPERANTO CONGRESS During the annual congress of the Universala Esperanto-Asocio, many messages were received from dignitaries throughout the world. We cite several below in order to emphasize the high level of recognition which Esperanto has been achieving lately. The simple fact is that the Secretary-General of the U.N. Kofi Annan and other internationally important politicians are taking the time to acknowledge the contributions and potentials of Esperanto. This is an important recent development! Message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the 83rd World Esperanto Congress It gives me great pleasure to send greetings to the members of the Universala Esperanto-Asocio as you gather in Montpellier for your 83rd Congress. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a year of celebration. In this the year of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, around the world men and women of every colour and creed are gathering to embrace our common human rights. They do so in the knowledge that human rights are the foundation of human existence and coexistence; that human rights are universal and indivisible; and that the language of human rights is common to all people. Indeed, it is a universal language which is foreign to no culture and native to all nations. It is a language which asserts the right to development, to life and liberty, to dissent and diversity. It is at the heart of all the United Nations aspire to achieve in peace and development. As you meet in Montpellier to examine bridges bet- ween cultures, I know that you will assert that toler- ance is the building block of all bridges, the basis of all human rights, all peace and progress; that lan- guage must be used to overcome differences; that constructive communication builds bridges while lan- guage used as a weapon only isolates. I am grateful to the Universala Esperanto-Asocio for its work to promote language as means to unite rather than to divide and for your celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This conference can make a valuable contri- bution to this process through strengthening links, ex- changing information and sharing ideas. I wish you an enjoyable and rewarding week in Montpellier. Message from UNESCO On behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO I have pleasure in extending cordial greetings to the participants in the 83rd World Esperanto Congress. UNESCO particularly appreciates the theme chosen for this year's congress: "Mediterranean: bridge bet- ween cultures", a theme which leads to a better com- prehension and solidarity among people through the understanding of foreign cultures and languages. I also note with great satisfaction that a special seminar will be organized during the Congress: "Language policy and intercultural education: what does Espe- ranto offer?", a subject which is directly related to the activities of our newly established Languages Divi- sion and its LINGUAPAX project which, as you know, works in favor of the promotion of linguistic diversity and plurilingual education. The Congress reserves an important place to the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Civics education and linguistic and cultural rights, as part of human rights, are becoming more and more crucial in the struggle for peace. The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is one of the priority activities of the Organization within the framework of the culture of peace programs. It is clear that the results of your Congress will en- rich the work of UNESCO in several fields and par- ticularly regarding the preparation of the UNESCO Report on the world's languages which is to be pub- lished in 2001. The Report will be updated every five years and will provide Member-States with appropri- ate recommendations in the field of languages. The preparatory work of the Report has already begun in close collaboration with several NGO's [non-govern- ment organizations], and we hope that the World Es- peranto Association will participate as well. In fact, experience shows that our longlasting cooperation is mutually beneficiary, and that many of our general objectives and ideas are similar. While wishing all of you a pleasant stay in Mont- pellier, I assure you of UNESCO's appreciation of the important work you are undertaking towards the shaping of a world in which diversity is consonant with a wider unity, (signed) Colin N. Power Assistant Director-General for Education From Viktor Klima Chancellor of Austria It is not only the legend of language confusion [Tower of Babel] which teaches humanity that the most important communication tool, language, can separate but also unite. It is a dream of humanity to conquer language barriers and to be understood and accepted by everybody. Therefore people have searched in all times for lan- guages which would be learnable and usable by everybody. Unfortunately this has remained a dream until today, despite the fact that the engineered lan- guage Esperanto has successfully evolved a world- wide and living language community which has in- deed shown remarkable progress. You have chosen for this congress the motto: "Medi- terranean: bridge between cultures". Esperanto is a child of the Mediterranean languages; it takes many word roots from Latin and is also phonetically related to the Mediterranean languages. Although artificially devised, Esperanto has demonstrated a strong will to live as a spoken language. Radio has been an indis- pensable tool for the spread of Esperanto. Esperanto contributes to the accessibility of people and cultures. Therefore I believe that this language will earn a significant place in the process of forming a universal society. May the consultations of your congress be a contribution to this. Other messages sent to the 83rd World Congress of Esperanto were from Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Secretary-General of the U.N. and Secretary-General of the Organization of the French-speaking Coun- tries; L.C. Zaleski-Zamenhof, in the name of the Zamenhof family; Hugo Rollinger, the author of the bestseller Monumente pri Esperanto. Resolution of the 83rcl World Congress of Esperanto The 83rd World Congress of Esperanto, having as- sembled in Montpellier, France, August 1-8, 1998 with 3133 participants from 62 countries - recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, respect for which has been and continues to be an essential condition of the work for Esperanto, - having debated about contemporary ideas and tasks for intergovernmental and non-governmental organi- zations with regard to education toward peace and reciprocal toleration, with special attention to the Mediterranean countries, - having analyzed the contributions of the Esperanto community, real and potential, to a tolerant multi- cultural world, calls - on the United Nations and its officials, and on non- government organizations to give bigger attention to searching a possible solution to the problem of the linguistic aspect of Human Rights. This aspect is too often ignored; and in this way the human right com- pletely and without discrimination to understand and be understood on an international level cannot be made real. - on Unesco that, within its "Linguapax" program, it consider instruction of Esperanto to conduct experi- ments about its value in the development of intercul- tural education. - on the country-level and specialist organizations of the Esperanto community to intensify their efforts in this spirit and in the framework of the Campaign 2000 to place the international language Esperanto at the service of the evolution of the current world in peace and toleration. Esperanto Poet Nominated for Nobel The Scottish poet William Auld, who writes primar- ily in Esperanto, has been nominated for the Nobel Prize in literature. The seventy-three year old retired teacher is widely considered the greatest living poet in Esperanto. Auld has written 52 books, among which are translations from Shakespeare, Tolkien and Burns; and many original short stories, essays and poems, including the first successful epic poem in Es- peranto La infana raso. Auld has said "I am quite honoured, although I do not expect to receive the Nobel prize. The nomination is chiefly symbolic". This is the first time an Esperanto poet has been so nominated, but likely not the last! NEW FROM THE BOOK SERVICE AL LINGVA DEMOKRATIO/TOWARDS LINGUIS- TIC DEMOCRACY/VERS LA DEMOCRATIE LIN- GUISTIQUE, Mark FETTES & Suzanne BOLDUC, ed. The proceedings of the Nitobe Symposium during the UK in Prague. A detailed analysis of various aspects of interna- tional language policy. This is a crucial book for every serious student of Esperanto's role in history and the future. 1998. 212p. 235x160. Paper. Netherlands. ISBN 92-9017-054-9 ALL002 $13.70 CEZARO, Mirko JELUŜIĈ. Trans. Ivo ROTKVIĈ. A broadly sweeping historical novel about the life of Julius Caesar. A lively and colorful evocation of ancient Rome, considered a masterpiece of European literature. Second edition 1997. 486p. 200x130. Bound. Croatia. CEZ001 $36.50 ĈASHUNDO DE LA BASKERVILOJ, LA, Arthur Conan DOYLE. Trans. William AULD. Our greatest liv- ing poet has applied himself to this classic Sherlock Holmes story. How can it miss? How can you resist this plum? How long has it been since you read the original? 1998. 174p. 200x140. Paper. Russia. CAS001 $11.00 DIO PAROLAS AL SIAJINFANOJ, Eleonore BECK. Trans. F.K.E.A. Color illustrations by Miren SORNE. Simple and elegant retellings of many of the most impor- tant Bible stories. The sweet illustrations add nice spice to almost every second page. Not only for children: inter- mediate-level Esperantists will gain much from this book. 1997. 96p. 190x120. Paper. Spain. DIO001 $7.50 MVENU DO, KION MI FARAS!, Div. Colorfully illus- trated book published for the International Literacy Year. One of the best and most beautiful books for children in Esperanto. Profoundly international portrayal of life's variety. 1990. 80p. 210x300. Paper. Japan. DIV001 $17.00 DUA EWADO DE MARSANOJ, LA, Arkadij & Boris STRUGACKIJ. Trad. Mikaelo BRONŜTEJN. The Stru- gatsky brothers are undeniable masters of the art of science fiction. This is no exercise in violence and heroics, rather a thought-provoking exploration of a possible parallel his- tory. 1998. lllp. 200x130. Paper. Russia. ISBN 5-7161- 0044-9 DUA001 $5.50 EL LA BD3LIO. Chapters from the Bible in the original translation by Zamenhof. Third edition 1924. 48p. 140x95. Paper. Germany. ELL008 $1.20 EN SOMERA VTLAO. A forty-minute film based on the short-story by Chekov. Although the technical quality is less than professional, this is still a charming and entertain- ing drama, suitable for club or personal use. VHS-tape and two booklets 130x170. 1998. Japan. ENS001 $26.60 FORA ĈIELARKO, LA, Arkadij & Boris STRUGAC- KIJ. Trans. Mikaelo BRONŜTEJN. This might be the most "communist" novel from the Strugatsky brothers: or is it? What are the implications of the invention of a trans- porter system like the one in "Star Trek"? 1997. 130p. 200x130. Paper. Russia. ISBN 5-7161-0042-2 FOR004 $6.20 KATORELO, Jeannette van MENS. Trans. Coosje DEKKER-KIEFER. Illustrated by Bep THUSSE. Have you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a cat, es- pecially a Siamese cat? In this amusing little book, that noble and enigmatic beast plays the main role. Marjorie Boulton says "vi legos ĝin kun plezuro; kaj eble lernos ion pri la emoj kaj bezonoj de katoj, se vi ne jam sciis". 1998. 81p. 200x145. Paper. Belgium. ISBN 90 71205 74 6 KAT002 $7.60 KAZINSKIVENAS TRO MALFRUE,Deck DORVAL & Christian DECLERCK. This crime novel deals with the enigma of murder. Within the first few pages the reader al- ready knows that Ivo Kazinski intends to kill the black- mailing businessman Johan Krimp. Did Kazinski kill Krimp? Find out in this second detective story staring Ksa- vero Kant, the well-known Esperantist detective. 1987. 175p. 210x150. Paper. Belgium. ISBN 90-71205-18-5 KAZ001 $8.70 KUNULARO DE L' RINGO, LA, J.R.R. TOLKIEN. Trans. William AULD. Those who did not snap up a copy of this when it was first published three years ago were sorely disappointed to hear that it sold out quite quickly. Don't miss this great book! Splendid translation and nice overall appearance: even the maps look good. Second edition 1997. 544p. 200x145. Bound. Russia. KUN003 $29.20 5000 JAROJ DE ĈINIO, CAUBjalong. Trans. Faibo. This book presents the 5000-year history of China, from primitive society until the 1911 revolution. 1988. 388p. 185x130. Paper. China. ISBN 7-5052-0014-3 KVI003 $8.30 LEGENDO DE DORM-VALETO, LA, Washington IR- VING. Trans. Edwin GROBE. Another classic known by all, but actually read by few. What really happened in Sleepy Hollow? Perfect reading for Halloween gatherings! 1998. 24p. 215x175. Paper. USA. LEG001 $2.20 MORTO DE IVAN ILJIC, LA, Lev TOLSTOJ. Trans. Valentin MELNIKOV. Although Tolstoy is best known for his great novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Kareni- na", his short stories are even more widely read, and make him among the most popular Russian authors. Here is a chance to experience Tolstoy's greatness without the her- culean effort which the huge works require. 1997. 53p. 195x140. Paper. Russia. MOR003 S3.60 MORTO DE SCIENCISTO, Ronald Cecil GATES. An- other clever murder mystery from the author of several popular Esperanto works in that genre. Set in a university campus, which environment Gates knows well. 1994. 81p. 210x140. Paper. Belgium. ISBN 90-71205-55-X MOR004 $6.60 NIA FUNDAMENTO SUB LUPEO, G.F. MAKKINK. An in-depth study of the Fundamento, the solid basis of all correct Esperanto usage. Should be on the bookshelf of every serious Esperantist, right next to the Fundamento it- self! 1990. 128p. 205x145. Paper. Belgium. ISBN 90- 71205-39-8 NIA001 $13.30 PAD OF NOTE PAPER. Twenty-six sheets of light green paper with the slogan "Esperanto unuaelekto pordua linqvo". 1998. 140x105. USA. PAD001 $.80 PAŜOJ AL PLENA POSEDO, William AULD. Current reprint of one of the most popular literary readers and in- termediate course. With exercises. Sixth edition 1989, 228p. 195x125. Paper. Hungary. PA.S001 $11.10 SUR PARNASO, Timothy Brian CARR. This poet is al- ready well-known thanks to his appearance in the "Espe- ranto Anthology" and his winning of several prizes in UEA's Belartaj Konkursoj. W. Auld calls him "ĝisosta po- eto vere dediĉita al sia arto". This volume gives lovers of poetry a rich harvest from this fine Welsh poet. 1998. 115p. 200x145. Paper. Belgium. ISBN 90 71205 73 8 SUR003 $16.10 TRI NOVELOJ, Washington IRVING. Trans. Edwin GROBE. Translations of American literature are still rather rare; so Professor Grobe's work is quite welcome - all the more so since the stylistic level is so exquisite! Everybody knows the story of Rip van Winkle: but when did you last read it? 1998. 24p. 215x175. Paper. USA. TRI010 $2.20 TRI NOVELOJ, Edgar Allan POE. Trans. Edwin GROBE. One of America's greatest prose stylists meets one of Esperanto's most gifted translators. The result: a feast of splendid writing! 1998. 24p. 215x175. Paper. USA. TRI011 $2.20 TRI RAKONTOJ PRI LA MILJARA PACO, John FRANCIS. The fictional world created here will remind you of "Gulliver's Travels". The thousand-year peace of the title does not in fact last that long and is often in danger. Francis proves that his writings form a part of the basic literature of Esperanto. 1997. 117p. 200x140. Paper. Belgium. ISBN 90 71205 66 5 TRI012 $15.20 365 TAGOJ EL LA BD3LIO, Jerald T, VEIT, ed. Short quotations from the Bible arranged so the reader has a bit of inspiration for each day of the year. Translations are from the standard Esperanto Bible, so the Old Testament quotes are translated by Zamenhof himself. 1996. 43p. 215x140. Paper. USA. TRI009 $5.00 Videotapes Esperanto Psspuno un* tor in- s>do Fhohi u. u.jont in the series, eonsi'--ii'k< of tour 30-mtmfte lessons on sfdeotdpes, h te L ' «bird'ik u - tnprunn e olnl the dialogues and English ti itt> efthe e i • 4 and an exerasebook written h \~irOti • • nn! it-•'„•.- i! qi.....: i„u!M-i ,'! .i 'r. - ■ , Saufc-i dl.U it - , 16 in lude- -,fnp|.nr-•-,n- h ndtmr 3»~-~'l&P i Esperanto League for North America PO Box 1129 EI Cerrito CA 94530 Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Berkeley CA Permit No. 330 m THIS ISStJ£»„ ♦ Njw, s from the World Congress: ♦ E^pmn^t uninitiated for Nobel : Prize ♦ New from the Book Service