THE EDITOR, Sir:

I REFER to Michael R. Nicholson's letter about English and creole. I am not sure that English is as widespread or as useful as people claim. I would like to argue the case for Esperanto as the international language. It is a planned language which belongs to no one country or group of states. Those with access to theInternet should take a look at www.esperanto.net.

Neutral second language

Esperanto works! I've used it in speech and writing in a dozen countries in recent years.

Indeed, the language has some remarkable practical benefits. Personally, I've made friends around the world through Esperanto that I would never have been able to communicate with otherwise. An important feature of Esperanto is that it allows its speakers to retain their mother tongue, whether English or creole, and acts as a neutral second language.

I am, etc.,

BILL CJAPMAN

pat@pat24.freeserve.co.uk

United Kingdom

Via Go-Jamaica