Nitobe Centre for language democracy

Research

On this page we list questions worth exploring that relate to language democracy. If you have an idea for a new question, please send it to .

Which languages are used the most in the EU countries and for which functions (corporate, academic, liturgic, home use, etc.)?
How many EU citizens speak foreign languages and what proficiency do they have in those languages?
Is there an existing and/or emerging European identity among EU citizens? To what extent is this European identity linked to the transnational use of English?
Is the European Commission's vision of trilingual EU citizens (mother tongue + two foreign languages) feasible?

How does communication in international English differ from communication in Esperanto? Similarities and differences between these two communication situations, with regard to proficiency and the risk for misunderstandings.
What is specific for intercultural communication in Esperanto, in contrast to other languages, with regard to phonology, syntax, phraseology, non-verbal communication, etc.
On the use of English in aviation: Which are the drawbacks of today's system? Can the present system be changed (retaining the use of English) so that the number of language-related casualties could be decreased? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a planned language, e.g. Esperanto, as the international aviation language?

Is Esperanto easier to learn than English for Hungarians, for example?
Is it easier to express oneself in Esperanto than in English after five years of study for Poles, for instance?
Does Esperanto have an absolute effect on facilitating learning in certain circumstances?

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