The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1885-06-06
THE WORLD IT'S FIELD.
VolapHk, the Universal Language
of the Future.
The Speech Confounded at Babel to BE Res
directed by a Few Hundred Enthusiasts
Scattered Over Three Continents
Its Construction and Grammar.

"What is it?' asked the BepHkel Lulitik Tor
Ddpn interviewer of one who had appended
to his name the astounding title "VolapHka-
tidel." and had admitted that this indicates
the expert or adept in "VolapHk" -one who
has n diploma authorizing him TO teach that
subject.
"What is VoapHk?" asked the expectant
BepHkel. Tue answer of the VolapHkatidel
was somewhat long, but we give it as it was
taken down, interspersed with the occasional
questions which suggested new lines of expa-
nation.
VolapHk is a language and the name is a
sample of it.
"0h, then 1t is not patent medicine, nor q
new kind of religion! But where, when and
by whom, is it, has it been or shall it be spOk-
en-, read or wrttenT'
large question, good sir, and only to be
answered in parts.
"Where?" No land, no race, no climate cir
cumscribes il; the word is its field.
"Whenr' Asamedium of actual communi-
cation, it has been in existence for about five
years.
by whom?" To-day, by few hundred en-
thusiasts, scattered over three continents; in
the coming Inc, if their hopes be fulfilled, by
every educated person in the world; every
one who can 90 beyond the limits of his own
tongue, will learn this universal language
I,
with any one else of equal education.
"Why not adopt English or French as such
a languagey' Because, for one reason, nc
nation could or should be allowed such an ad
vantage over others; and because those two
most widespread languages are specially lulft
for international use; they are noted for odd
unmusical sounds for mutilated words, fol
irregular, capriciOus structure and modes OF
spelling which are like hideous nightmare
The worlds language of the future must bC
one readily learned, easily spoken, absolutely
logical and consistent capable of expressing
all that men can now express, and of expand
ing to meet al new requirements; with ca
pacity for all things, except for being mis-
understood.
docs VolapHk answer to all this?" That Il
aquestion for judgment; will give you tn,
materials, and surely If | can cOndense al
the rules of a language into an interview yol
will admit that 1t eXcels in simplicity all 1t
elder sisters
Let us start with the subject of your frs
question, the word "VoapHk,' and let us dis
Vol, world" or 'the world"
VIOLA, "of the world" the worlds o
'world's."
PAX, speech" mot a speech or an oration.)
VolapHk, worlds speech" "W6ltsprdcht
KOsmOglOsSd."
Now observe that this word is shorter AM
smoother than either of the compounds b.
which have translated it; it contains onl!
seven letters, while the German eQuivalen
has eleven, and the Greek twelve. Vol /
world" or "the world" There is no articl
in volapHk, or rather, thu article, though
can be expressed, is omitted as useless
"How, then, do you distinguish betwee
world and the worldT" Well now, Is Their
any distinction? We say in English, 9TH
world is round" Would there be the Sigh
est loss of meaning If we said world
rouuG2" The Romans had no article, and SUI
ceeded in speaking without ambiguity. TIL
Greeks in Homer's time dispensed with j
Try [thel same experiment which convince
me of lthel uselessness of [thel Engls
article. Take any editorial in lthel Darn 1
random; strike out all lthel thes; obSery
[thel effect Article must gOl
Vol is n root word, and like other simp
words of its class, consists of three letter