There are thousands of languages spoken on our planet. Estimates range from 5.000 to 10.000 living languages and there are many dead ones as well.

In my opinion, there is one language missing and that's the one that everybody speaks and understands. Unfortunately that language does not exist.

In 1887, Ludwig Zamenhof invented Esperanto, a constructed language designed for international communication. Zamenhof hoped that Esperanto would have the added benefit of promoting the peaceful coexistence of different people and cultures. According to educators, Esperanto can be learned in 1/4 to 1/20 the amount of time needed for other languages. Still it never got off the ground. There are only about 1.000 native speakers worldwide, the most famous one probably being the businessman George Soros.

In today's globalized world, communication is more important than ever. To date, I have been able to visit many countries and meet many people. With some of them I could communicate directly, either in their native language or in mine or in a third one we both understood. At times communication was only possible with an interpreter and sometimes I had to rely on hand gestures and facial expressions. The direct verbal communication is by far the most rewarding experience, as the relationship is more personal. It has more meaning and openness.

I therefore definitely support Zamenhof's argument that a common language can promote peaceful coexistence of different people and cultures. 'Speaking the same language' not only means communicating in the same language. Figuratively it also means sharing values and ideas. And that is exactly what we need to solve the global problems we're facing.

Choosing an existing language used by a relative minority of the world population as their native language won't work. Selecting a few 'official' languages, like the United Nations did, hasn't and won't work either. We need a language with equal requirements and benefits for everybody. This could be Esperanto or a new language. The latter would incidentally be a fantastic global crowdsourcing project. This global language would of course not aim to replace existing native languages. It would be taught as the second language worldwide.

Just think about the benefits, if we or the next generation could communicate globally in one language. Imagine sharing values globally to make this planet a better place for all of its inhabitants.

Do you speak my language?