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From Lingvo.org (Lingvo = Language)

THE OPINIONS OF BRITISH MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF ESPERANTO TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

(for distribution with their permission)





CLEGG Nick , ELDR :

„There is no doubt in my mind that as the EU continues to enlarge in the years ahead, substantial changes will be necessary to the language and interpretation arrangements within the EU institutions. Esperanto could play an important role in alleviating the problems, which will arise. In that context I am happy to support any attempts to pursue the further voluntary use of Esperanto “ (01.10.99).



CORBETT Richard , PSE :

“Even people who speak three or four languages have difficulty in communicating with each other when one of those languages coincide. Esperanto would be a useful fallback for everyone – monoglots and polyglots alike – to fall back on when communicating across language barriers. People will learn Esperanto when they have the guarantee that others are learning it too and the EU is in a position to co-ordinate ministers of education, to take co-ordinated decisions to introduce Esperanto in the curriculum” (12.10.99).



DOVER Den , PPE/DE :

“You can use my name. I was Member of Parliament for Chorley in Lancashire for 18 years during which I was a member of the Esperanto Group of British MPs” (22.10.99).



MacCORMICK Neil , V/ALE :

“There is an increasing need for a common – and neutral – intermediate language for the purposes of interpretation in multinational and polyglot institutions. I support the idea of experimentation with the possibility of Esperanto in this role” (28.10.00).



McNALLY Eryl , PSE :

“I am happy for my name to be included in the list of MEPs supporting the use of Esperanto (25.10.99).



LYNNE Liz , ELDR :

„I believe that all languages are important because they form a major part in preserving national cultures, though I can see that Esperanto a could be a useful ‚second language’ for many peoples. A great deal of time, effort and resources would be needed to ensure that Esperanto has a significant role to play in the future” (13.10.99).



WATSON Graham , ELDR :

“After careful consideration, I have to decided to accept your invitation to join the list of MEPs supporting the use of Esperanto in schools, because I am persuaded that this is probably advantageous to pupils when they go on to learn other languages. I would like to make it clear that I am simply giving moral support to the wider use of Esperanto where it is desired by pupils, parents and teachers, and not supporting any kind of campaign to impose Esperanto on the educational system by legislative or executive action” (10.07.99).



WATTS Mark , PSE :

„I think that there is a real need for the issue of language to be addressed, enlargement of the European Union means that the number of combinations of possible translations is becoming astronomical. The drain on resources that this translation need will bring about could severely restrict the efficiency of the Union. The advantages of a neutral language with little historical baggage is obvious, however, the development of a culture where this language is used naturally is I believe the key to it becoming a practical solution to some of the logistical problems of enlargement. While Esperanto is relatively poorly used then the perceived need for it to be taught is limited. Therefore, the language, in the eyes of the general public is seen as peripheral and the numbers remain small. Cultural acceptance I believe, is the main obstacle to the use of Esperanto in the role of a European Union language”.



WHITEHEAD Phillip , PSE :

“What I would say about Esperanto is that some form of common medium of exchange will increasingly be needed within the EU once we move to a system where there are fifteen to twenty languages, all equally cherished, among the Member States. At that point we shall have to looks at the claims of a genuine non-discriminatory international medium. It is for this reason that I support the spread of Esperanto”.