Step by Step in Esperanto

•More is involved in learning a language than an understanding of its grammatical elements. No language (not even Esperanto) can be mastered in an hour. Words will not flow instinctively vv ithout constant repetition , and their correct use can be learned only from context. The aim of this book is not to satisfy the curiosity of the dabbler, but to guide the student to proficiency.

Further, it became clear that everything should have been placed at the beginning; that everything should have been placed later; and that everything should have been omitted.

Somewhat bewildered by all this advice, I have left the book in essentials as it was. I am encouraged to do this by the fact that teachers and students who have used it as directed have given it warm approval. They have also given many practical suggestions for improvements in detail; these have been adopted in the present edition. I am especially indebted to Mr. K. Alexander for his help.

Some things in previous editions are here omitted to make room for new simple matter, but will be incorporated in a work for advanced students, long in preparation, which I hope may some day see the light.

Many teachers write: " I always give my class another book, but I wish to teach them from yours. How can I do this ? " You cannot. First choose your book or method, then give it a fair trial.

Obviously, no one will find in this (or in any) work his ideal. Those, however, who work through it, will have their reward. For the rest:

ANKORAŬ NENIU PLAĈIS AL ĈIU

Finally, let me assure various indignant or anxious friends that the book is written with no ulterior anti-feminist motive. Also that I, at any rate, am happily married. And my wife ? That is another question. She must speak for herself.

M. C. B.

1948

PREFACE TO THE EIGHTH EDITION

The present volume is no mere offset reproduction of the previous edition : it contains well over 100 emendations. I sincerely thank the manv teachers and students who have helped in these matters.

May I call attention to the words on p. 7 (Order of Presentation). Of course/there is no reason why, if desirable, the whole of the grammar (p. 272) should not be summarized in the very first lesson ! Moreover, some part of everv lesson should be devoted to convers- ational practice, away from the book and its restrictions. But the detailed instruction, and the exercises given, MUST follow the order in the book, if it is to be used to the best advantage.

M. C. B. 1965

ABOUT THE NINTH EDITION

Many textbooks on Esperanto have appeared in English over the years, and they continue to appear as fashions in teaching change. Montagu Christie Butler^s Step by Step, however, has endured for almost half a century through nine editions in three countries, and is still considered one of the most useful and informative concordances to the study of the international lan- guage.

The Esperanto Publishing Company of Australia, having served the cause of Esperanto well and truly for a number of years, has now passed into history. Before doing so, Eileen Oliver on behalf of EPCA generously transferred all rights to this little book to the Esperanto League for North America, Inc. The League is honored and pleased to become the new publisher of this valuable work. Rather than tamper with Butler^s words, we have updated only the title pages and Advice to the Student.

David Wolff David Richardson Mark Stephens ELNA Book Committee

The full cost of printing this edition was met by a gift from a generous member of ELNA, who wishes to remain anonymous. On behalf of ELNA and Esperantists worldwide, our heartfelt

thanks.

To the Teacher

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK