h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

How, exactly, does Esperanto not exist? If speaking a language does not elevate a language to the status of existent, what does?

At this time, I do not speak Esperanto. I have been recently introduced to it, though, and the prospect of interacting with tens if not hundreds of cultures by learning only one language excites my imagination.

I think that the way esperanto can not exist, even though it is spoken, has something to do with the lack of any ethnic group or country using it as their native language... Also, it was invented fairley recently, I think... That may have something to do with it as well... *shrug*

Buff, you shouldn't comment about things which you aren't sure about...

If the language is used for the purposes of communication between a sizeable body of people, then it must surely be a real language. What other conditions can there be?

As for no ethnic group using it.. what do you expect? It is a planned language! A planned language that isn't in use by any group is necessary for neutrality and simplicity - there is no national language as simple as Esperanto, and that's no exaggeration.

By the way, L.L. Zamenhof published the First Book in 1886. It is not just a new pipe dream, but has been used and developed for over a century.