Interested in getting started with Esperanto? It is one of the easiest languages to learn!
There are various ways in which you can learn Esperanto:
Use the Internet or computer-based learning
This is one of the most popular methods of learning Esperanto now since it's an easy way to hear the language as well as read, write, and speak with others around the world.
One of the best sites for learning Esperanto online is lernu.net. You will find the list of courses for all levels here.
Another great computer-based course which you can download is Kurso de Esperanto. It has 12 lessons including pronunciation and listening exercises as well as songs with karaoke.
Esperanto by Direct Method by Stano Marĉek: Words are defined by accompanying illustrations and include the 750 most commonly used words in Esperanto. The direct method allows you to learn without 'translating' between English and Esperanto.
Two books often available in bookshops and libraries:
Esperanto - learning and using the International Language, by David Richardson
Teach yourself Esperanto, by Cresswell, Teach Yourself Books. (There is also an accompanying cassette tape available with examples of Esperanto pronunciation.)
Correspondence Courses of the Australian Esperanto Association. Five different correspondence courses, ranging from beginner to advanced.
Video courses
Although targeted for children, the Mazi en Gondolando series of 18 lessons is a great way for the beginner to hear Esperanto being spoken and learn directly as children do. It covers basic grammar in a fun and memorable way. The video is available on You Tube in 18 parts - here is lesson one:
Join a local Esperanto Club Meeting
We have local clubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Masterton and Tauranga/Rotorua. Check out our page on New Zealand clubs for more information or find us on www.meetup.com.
Attend a conference or 'Summer School'
The New Zealand Esperanto Association organises a conference annually. Sometimes this is done in conjunction with the Australian Esperanto Association and takes place in Australia. Usually there is a summer school where you can take part in an intensive Esperanto course with experienced Esperanto teachers. And of course this a perfect opportunity to practice your new Esperanto skills and see the language in action since there are often visitors from overseas who's first language is not English.
Our next conference is in Rotorua in January 2012 - find out more here.
The next Australian Esperanto summer school is in Sydney in January 2012
There are many other events around the world, for more details on what is in this part of the world as well as further afield take a look at the event section.