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From: smryan@netcom.com (@#$%!?!)
Subject: Re: Single European Language
Message-ID: <smryanDA5KoM.nA@netcom.com>
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Date: Wed, 14 Jun 1995 07:55:34 GMT
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: complex; from my own subjective point of view, of course, Danish, Latin, 
: French and German are quite limited in their capabilities. Esperanto, 
: however, is by far the least complicated, by any measure.

It is assumed that all languages have equal complexity and are equally
expressive. I heard a claim, but I don't remember the reference, that
creoles in fact start much simpler than other languages, with a very
regular and simple morphology and syntax without sacraficing expressiveness.
However in few generations irregularities creep in and the creole becomes
as messy as any other language.

That is one of many reasons I don't believe Esperanto will remain simple.
The only way to avoid that is for some there to be some Language Institute
which can effectively police usage.

Nor is it necessary to be simple. The real world is messy and the human
brain can tolerate a certain amount of mess. 
-- 
The Brothers of the brooding Dark,         | smryan@netcom.com  PO Box 1563
the Fathers of the fighters stark,         |          Cupertino, California
that left their might, the Lake and Height,| (xxx)xxx-xxxx            95015
and met the Mother moist and dark.         |              intolerance kills
