Esperanto isn’t just a language – it’s a cultural experiment. Created in 1887 by L.L. Zamenhof, it was meant to bridge divides, but along the way, its speakers developed their own quirks, traditions, and inside jokes. Here’s what you can learn from them.
1. Hospitality is built into the language
Esperanto has no word for 'stranger' – only 'nekonato' (unknown person). Speakers often treat newcomers like old friends, a habit that spills over into their meetups. If you’ve ever been to an Esperanto event, you’ll know the free coffee flows suspiciously freely.
2. They have a love-hate relationship with Duolingo
The Duolingo Esperanto course brought in thousands of new learners, but veterans grumble about its 'cookie-cutter' phrases. (Nobody actually says 'La hundo mordas la viron' – 'The dog bites the man' – unless they’re narrating a very specific horror story.)
3. Their humour is delightfully absurd
Esperanto’s flexible word-building leads to jokes like 'Kio estas la plej rapida fiŝo? La hastfiŝo!' ('What’s the fastest fish? The hurry-fish!'). It’s the linguistic equivalent of dad jokes – and they’re proud of it. For more on language and humour, see our guide to Danish jokes.
4. They’re obsessed with songbooks
Every Esperanto gathering involves singing – badly, enthusiastically, and often in rounds. The Esperanto music scene ranges from folk to punk, but 'La Espero', the movement’s anthem, is non-negotiable. (Tip: Nod along if you don’t know the words.)
5. They argue about borrowed words
Purists insist on native roots ('komputilo' for computer), while pragmatists adopt terms like 'blogo'. The debate gets heated – for a group of people theoretically opposed to conflict.
Pasporta Servo
/pasˈporta ˈservo/“Passport Service”
6. Their meetups defy stereotypes
Forget dusty lecture halls – Esperanto festivals involve kayaking, karaoke, and enough home-brewed beer to make the grammar drills go down easier. The largest, the Universala Kongreso, moves countries yearly like a nomadic party.
7. They have strong opinions about flags
The green-star-on-white flag is ubiquitous, but some factions push for the 'jubilea simbolo' (a red E on white). It’s the closest thing Esperantists have to a sports rivalry.
8. Their internet slang is adorably earnest
While English speakers abbreviate everything, Esperanto’s digital natives use full phrases like 'Dankon pro la krokodilo' ('Thanks for the crocodile' – meaning 'thanks for the hug'). More on Esperanto in digital communication here.
9. Their literature is weirder than you’d think
Beyond Zamenhof’s translations, there’s original sci-fi, poetry, and a surprising amount of existential angst. William Auld’s epic poem 'La Infana Raso' ('The Child Race') was nominated for a Nobel Prize.
10. They’re masters of passive-aggressive politeness
The phrase 'mi ne komprenas' ('I don’t understand') can mean anything from genuine confusion to 'you’re talking nonsense'. Tone is everything.
11. They’ve embraced memes wholeheartedly
From 'Ĉu vi volas babiladi?' ('Do you want to chat?') spam to edits of Zamenhof as a superhero, Esperanto internet culture is thriving. The subreddit r/Esperanto is 50% grammar help, 50% surreal jokes.
12. They’ll convince you it’s a gateway drug
Many learners report that Esperanto made other languages feel approachable. (Here’s why.) Whether it’s the logical grammar or the confidence boost, something about it sticks.
