Linguistics and Language Learning
My Experience Learning Esperanto and Toki Pona
Are constructed languages useless?
I have always had an interest in languages. In elementary school, I explored Spanish on Duolingo and was even learning sign language at one point. I was thrilled when in 6th-grade students from each of the language departments came to convince us why we should take their language the next year. Even though the French students were the most uninspiring of the bunch — not having a presentation or bringing food as the others did — I knew that French was right for me. Since then, learning it has opened opportunities to me that I never knew were possible, allowing me to meet new people and expand my range of hobbies.
A few years ago, my friend introduced me to a language she had heard of called Esperanto. It was created nearly 120 years ago, designed to be so easy that anybody could learn it. At first, I thought to myself, “This is too idyllic! It didn’t become popular a hundred years ago, so why bother learning a language that is spoken by so few?” But the more I learned about Esperanto, the more I fell in love with it. It’s extremely versatile, allowing you to create any word you want. And unlike French speakers who switch to English whenever the first mistake escapes from your mouth, virtually every Esperantisto (person who speaks Esperanto) went through the same process of learning it and understands its value.
In this way, Esperanto has connected me with people across the world, people with a common culture and identity, people who previously vastly differed from me. And from there, I discovered another constructed language, Toki Pona. The word “toki” means “language,” and “pona” means both “good” and “simple,” so the translation is up to you to interpret. I like to think of it as the opposite of Esperanto because unlike Esperanto, the creator of Toki Pona designed the language to only have around 120 words! It’s a linguistic puzzle that forces you to focus on the significance of your meaning, rather than the words themselves.
The contrast between the two languages represents me. I’m constantly pulled between a state of ambition to change the world and a desire for a normal, simple life. I look back to my 6th grade reading classroom. Despite the fact that my friends and family told me it would be a waste of time, I chose French. I did the right thing then, and now, when everyone I know has a different opinion of the college I go to, the major I choose, and my future career, I will do what I know is best for me. An important theme I’ve found from learning Toki Pona is to discard all the noise and focus on what truly matters. I know that wherever my future takes me, I will continue my passions and leave my mark on the world.
If you find yourself looking for a new hobby that’s a little out there, I definitely recommend trying a constructed language. It’s something that not everyone has done before, and it’s always a great conversation starter!
If you want to meet new people and explore the world through a different lens, try Esperanto.
If you want an interesting puzzle, try Toki Pona.
Heck, give them both a try if you want. If you end up not liking them, the worst that will happen is you leave smarter than you were before.
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