Maitland Riverlights multicultural festival 2019

During the afternoon and evening of Saturday, 12 October, four Esperantists (Andrew Spannenberg, Alan Turvey, Joanne Cho and Jonathan Cooper) travelled to Maitland, NSW, to participate in the multicultural Riverlights Festival of 2019. As before, Andrew worked diligently to set up a covered booth for the Esperanto Federation of NSW. On our table were several items (both for sale and free) and on both sides, a tall self-standing banner about Esperanto and Esperanto House. Several people stopped and asked what Esperanto was. Joanne was particularly effective as a propagandist. At 5:00 pm, in the nearby “Language Lounge”, Jonathan taught Esperanto […]

Esperanto promoted in Maitland

On Saturday 10 February 2018, several Esperantists (four wearing special green t-shirts) went to the Maitland Riverlights Multicultural Festival. Eckard Roehrich demonstrated wooden word-blocks, which he made for teaching the language. The team also taught many people at the “Language Lounge”. When we offered propaganda material, some people said, “I’m good”. Certainly. But I think they would be better if they accepted the booklets. 😄 Some children requested many booklets – very formally. Lastly, after sunset, little lights were sent down river. A beautiful sight, although not very serious. – Andrew Spannenberg

Free Language Festival in Erina (Central Coast)

30 November 2017 The Language Festival Association is hosting a free language festival on Saturday, 3 December, at Erina Fair. The purpose of this language festival is to promote awareness of language diversity, by providing “tasters” of multiple languages and cultures in a fun environment. A highlight will be a fascinating presentation by Australian linguist, Dr Gregory Cooper. In the early 1980s Dr Cooper travelled to remote north-western Pakistan to study an as-yet unwritten language. Just by interacting directly with the native speakers, he was able to learn the language (Kalashamondr), create a system of writing for it and teach […]