An International Language

Part One of this book discusses the need for an International Auxiliary Language (IAL), the disadvantages of ethnic languages for that purpose, and common objections to constructed IALs. Jespersen also provides a critical overview of the history of constructed IALs with sections devoted to Volapük, Esperanto, Idiom Neutral, Ido, Latino sine Flexione and Occidental (Interlingue). The author makes it clear that he draws on a wealth of earlier work on the problem of… (more)

Part One of this book discusses the need for an International Auxiliary Language (IAL), the disadvantages of ethnic languages for that purpose, and common objections to constructed IALs. Jespersen also provides a critical overview of the history of constructed IALs with sections devoted to Volapük, Esperanto, Idiom Neutral, Ido, Latino sine Flexione and Occidental (Interlingue). The author makes it clear that he draws on a wealth of earlier work on the problem of a constructed IAL, not only the aforementioned IALs.

Part Two of An International Language describes Novial in detail. Alternative possible solutions for problems in the phonology, orthography, grammar and word-stock are considered. The choices made are explained by comparison with ethnic languages and previously constructed IALs.