G. D. Buchanan, No. 8820.
Among the remarks under the heading _Correspondence Notes_, in the
last number of our Gazette, was a short paragraph which stated that
those British Esperantists who desired to acquire an indisputable
proof of their thorough knowledge of our auxiliary language must
apply to the _French Society for the Propagation of Esperanto_, in
order to obtain its well-known "Atesto pri Kapableco." Although we
all greatly appreciate the fraternal spirit of our French friends, we
nevertheless hope that ere long we shall be able to organize
examinations for a British Certificate on similar lines. In reply to
the kind suggestion of our Editor, I will briefly treat of this
matter, in the hope that the advice of a pioneer may possibly be a
help to future candidates.
Of course, the aspirant must first possess a good general knowledge
of the elementary principles of the language before he begins the
special preparation for the examination. Should he be so fortunate as
to understand French thoroughly, let him elect to undergo the test in
French; but only an adept should attempt this. If, however, like
myself, he should know only his own national language, he will not be
able to enjoy the help of such valuable text-books as _La Commentaire
sur la Grammaire Esperanto_ and _La Texte Synthétique._
Personally I have found that the _Esperanta Sintakso_, by Dr. Paul
Fruictier, is almost essential, and I recommend it strongly. If the
student can work with a friend so much the better. I owe much to the
suggestions and advice of a well-informed friend, with whom I often
correspond.
Having concluded his preparation, the student must write to _M. E.
Bréon_, 6, _Rue du Levant, Vincennes, near Paris_, stating whether he
purposes taking the examination in French or English. In a few days
he will receive full details as to the official programme.
Should the candidate choose to go up for the examination in English,
it will be necessary for him to translate an Esperanto extract into
English, and an English extract into Esperanto. The list of questions
will contain a series of grammatical points and an exercise on
Esperanto pronunciation. In order to illustrate the latter, I
employed the excellent phonetic system which appeared on page 25 of
The Esperantist, No. 2.
Having written to our Friend-in-Esperanto, Mr. Mann, of Paris, to
learn his opinion with regard to special preparation for the
examination, I received the following valuable reply:--
"As for the most effective and successful method of studying for the
examination, I should recommend, after mastering the _Complete
Text-Book_, a careful reading of _Hamlet_ and the _Fundamenta
Krestomatio_, with _Esperanta Sintakso_, by Fruictier. For example,
take some anecdote from the _Krestomatio_. Read it two or three times
aloud. Then ask yourself various questions by words such as _Who (m),
Whose, Where (Whither), How, Why, When?_ To vary the study repeat the
anecdote, using tenses other than those employed in the text itself.
For example, the text possibly narrates the matter as having happened
at some past time. Well, the student could remodel the anecdote,
placing the concatenation of events in the Present AS, or in the
Future OS; and afterwards in the compound tenses: _Estis ... inta
(j)_, k.t.p. In this manner the study really becomes interesting, and
the pupil will very soon master Esperanto's very simple Grammar.
"One can also adopt another course with good results. With the aid of
the _English-Esperanto Dictionary_ one can train one's self as
follows. While performing any actions one can name them in Esperanto.
Thus, getting up early (or late) in the morning, enumerate the series
of actions. I get up, I stand up, I put on my stockings, etc. I am
dressed (I was about to be dressed). I wash, I have breakfast, I
work, etc. All these actions can be analyzed and extended, and supply
most interesting imaginary conversations and grammatical exercises.
That is the famous Gouin method of studying languages; it gives
remarkable results. Thus words and expressions are preserved in the
memory, and one does not wearily learn new words parrot-method. And
such a system is practicable for conversational classes, as it saves
time and concentrates the thoughts of the pupils. Messrs. George
Phillips & Sons, Ltd., 32, Fleet Street, London, publish a very
interesting and thought-inspiring series of books compiled on the
Gouin system.
* * *
N.B.--It is almost certain that in a short time the wishes of so many
adepts will be fulfilled, and a British examination will be founded.
The matter is now under consideration.--(The Editor).
La Onklino diris al sia nevino: "Ne ploru, karulino, aŭ ci
malbeliĝos."
"Ĉu vi multe estas plorinta, kiam vi estis juna?"
respondis la infanino.
(P de B).