Page:An attempt towards an international language.pdf/11

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Preface by the Translator.


At the request of the author I have prepared the following translation of his modest project for An International Language, which, in my opinion, goes further towards the solution of the problem than any of the other so-called “Universal Languages" as yet offered for public acceptance. I consider it to be the most simple, most natural and most easy of acquirement of all as yet presented; being based upon modern European tongues, its vocabulary is mainly already in the possession of every person of any pretensions to education. Its extreme simplicity of grammar and the ease with which new words can be created must especially recommend it to every class of readers. The time seems ripe for a combined effort towards the achievement of so glorious an ideal, and “we, as beings of intelligent consciousness * * * should employ our faculties to direct the course of events.”[1]

HENRY PHILLIPS, Jr.

Philadelphia, September 17, 1888.

  1. Note. Whilst not agreeing with the author in some of his views respecting grammatical formations, yet I have issued this work to show how easily a project of an International Language could be made effective.