Interlingua (Interlingue)

photo to inspire Interlingua language study
The first issue of Kosmoglott, published upon the announcement that the League of Nations was studying the problem of an international language. Photo by David Droz, CC BY 4.0

ALPHABET MATCHING GAME VOCABULARY FLASHCARDS

Interlingua is a fascinating and unique language designed with simplicity and international communication in mind. Developed in the mid-20th century by the International Auxiliary Language Association, Interlingua was created to be an easy-to-learn, naturalistic language that could serve as a bridge between speakers of different Romance languages, as well as between speakers of English and other European languages. What makes Interlingua particularly interesting is that its vocabulary is derived from the most widely understood words across major Western languages, including English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. This means that many words in Interlingua are immediately recognizable to speakers of these languages, making it accessible and intuitive for a large portion of the world's population.

Interlingua is often used by linguists, language enthusiasts, and proponents of international communication as a tool for facilitating understanding across language barriers. While it does not have a large native speaker community, Interlingua is actively used in international scientific, academic, and cultural contexts. Special groups that speak or promote Interlingua include language hobbyists, educators, and members of the global Esperanto community, who are interested in exploring and using constructed languages for global communication. The language's simplicity, regular grammar, and familiar vocabulary make it an appealing choice for those interested in learning a language quickly and using it as a tool for cross-cultural exchange. Interlingua's design reflects a unique attempt to harness the commonalities among the world's most widely spoken languages to create a truly international means of communication.

Why Learn Interlingua?

You can communicate in Interlingua. Adding Interlingua language skills to your business skills make you a more valuable an employee in the marketplace. Analytical skills improve when you study Interlingua. Interlingua expand one's view of the world, liberalize one's experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant.

Learning Interlingua offers several unique benefits, particularly in the realms of language learning, international communication, and linguistic exploration. Here are some key advantages:

  • Language Learning and Linguistic Skills
    • Easier Acquisition of Other Languages: Interlingua's vocabulary is derived from major Romance languages like Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and also includes elements from English. Learning Interlingua can provide a strong foundation and make it easier to acquire these related languages, as the similarities in vocabulary and grammar will be readily apparent.
    • Introduction to Language Structures: Interlingua is designed with a simple and regular grammar, making it an excellent introductory language for those new to language learning. It helps learners understand basic language structures and concepts that are applicable to many other languages.
  • International Communication
    • Facilitates Multilingual Communication: Interlingua was created to serve as an international auxiliary language, making it useful for communication across linguistic boundaries, particularly among speakers of European languages. It can act as a bridge language in multilingual settings, simplifying communication where there might otherwise be language barriers.
    • Global Accessibility: Because Interlingua draws from vocabulary that is widely recognizable across many languages, it is accessible to a large number of people globally. This makes it a practical tool for international conferences, academic papers, and other contexts where a broad understanding is required.
  • Cognitive and Personal Growth
    • Cognitive Benefits: Learning a new language, even a constructed one like Interlingua, enhances cognitive functions, improves memory, and boosts problem-solving skills. The simplicity of Interlingua allows learners to focus on these cognitive benefits without being overwhelmed by complex grammar or irregularities.
    • Linguistic Curiosity and Exploration: For language enthusiasts, Interlingua provides an opportunity to explore the concept of constructed languages (conlangs) and how language can be designed to maximize ease of learning and use. It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between natural languages and the idea of a universal language.
  • Cultural and Educational Opportunities
    • Engagement with a Global Community: While Interlingua does not have a large native speaker community, there is a dedicated global network of speakers, language hobbyists, and educators who use and promote the language. Engaging with this community can lead to enriching cultural exchanges and a deeper understanding of linguistic diversity.
    • Educational Tool: Interlingua can be used as an educational tool to teach language learning concepts, linguistic history, and the principles behind language creation. It provides an accessible entry point for students and educators interested in the development and use of auxiliary languages.

Overall, learning Interlingua offers a unique blend of practical, cognitive, and cultural benefits, making it an interesting choice for anyone interested in languages, international communication, or linguistic innovation.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Interlingua?

Learning Interlingua can be relatively quick compared to learning natural languages, especially for those who already speak a Romance language or English. Here are some general time estimates:

  • Factors Influencing Learning Time
    • Prior Language Experience: If you speak a Romance language (e.g., Spanish, French, Italian) or English, you may find Interlingua particularly easy to learn because its vocabulary and grammar are heavily based on these languages.
    • Learning Intensity: The more time you dedicate to learning and practicing Interlingua, the faster you will become proficient.
    • Learning Methods: A combination of self-study, online resources, and practice with other speakers can accelerate the learning process.
  • General Time Estimates
    • Basic Proficiency: Achieving basic conversational skills in Interlingua typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months with consistent study (around 5-10 hours per week). This includes learning basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
    • Intermediate Proficiency: Reaching an intermediate level, where you can hold more complex conversations, understand a broader range of topics, and read and write with confidence, might take 3-6 months of dedicated study.
    • Advanced Proficiency: Attaining advanced proficiency, which includes the ability to read and write complex texts, engage in nuanced conversations, and fully understand spoken Interlingua, could take 6-12 months or more, depending on your learning intensity.

Interlingua is designed to be easy and quick to learn, especially for speakers of related languages. With consistent effort, you can achieve basic proficiency in a matter of weeks, and higher levels of fluency can be reached within a few months. The simplicity of its grammar and the familiarity of its vocabulary make Interlingua one of the most accessible languages for learners.

Interlingua Alphabet & Pronunciation

The Interlingua writing system uses the Latin alphabet, consisting of 26 letters, just like English. It follows simple, phonetic spelling rules, meaning words are generally spelled as they are pronounced. There are no special characters or diacritical marks, making the writing system straightforward and easy to learn for speakers of most Western languages.

Aa
(a)
Bb
(be)
Cc
(ce)
Dd
(de)
Ee
(e)
Ff
(ef)
Gg
(ge)
Hh
(ha)
Ii
(i)
Jj
(jot)
Kk
(ka)
Ll
(el)
Mm
(em)
Nn
(en)
Oo
(o)
Pp
(pe)
Qq
(qu)
Rr
(er)
Ss
(es)
Tt
(te)
Uu
(u)
Vv
(ve)
Ww
(duplic ve)
Xx
(ix)
Yy
(ypsilon)
Zz
(zet)

Basic Phrases in Interlingua

HelloSalute
GoodbyeAdeo
YesSi
NoNo
Excuse mePardona me
PleasePer favor
Thank youGratias
You are welcomeIl es nihil
Do you speak englishParla vos anglese?
Do you understand
I understandIo comprende
I do not understandIo non comprende
How are youComo sta vos?
Fine thanksMulto ben, gratias.
What is your nameQual es vostre nomine?
My name isMi nomine es ...
Pleased to meet youContente de facer vostre cognoscentia!

Interlingua Grammar

Interlingua Nouns

ManViro
WomanFemina
BoyPuero
GirlPuera
CatCatto
DogCan
FishPisce
WaterAqua
MilkLacte
EggOvo
HouseCasa
FlowerFlor
TreeArbore
ShirtCamisa
PantsPantalones

Interlingua Adjectives

Colors in Interlingua

BlackNigre
WhiteBlanc
RedRubie
OrangeOrange
YellowJaine
GreenVerde
BlueBlau
PurplePurpura
PinkRosate
GrayGris
BrownBrun

Numbers in Interlingua

ZeroZero
OneUn
TwoDuo
ThreeTres
FourQuatro
FiveCinque
SixSex
SevenSepte
EightOcto
NineNove
TenDece
ElevenDece-un
TwelveDece-duo
TwentyVinti
ThirtyTrenta
FortyQuaranta
FiftyCinquanta
SixtySexanta
SeventySeptanta
EightyOctanta
NinetyNovanta
HundredCento
ThousandMille

Interlingua Verbs

To be
To have
To want
To need
To help
To go
To come
To eat
To drink
To speak

Building Simple Sentences

More Complex Interlingua Sentences

And
Or
But
Because
With
Also
However
Neither
Nor
If
Then

Useful Interlingua Vocabulary

Interlingua Questions

Who
What
When
Where
Why
How
How many
How much

Days of the Week in Interlingua

MondayLunedi
TuesdayMartedi
WednesdayMercuridi
ThursdayJovedi
FridayVenerdi
SaturdaySabbato
SundayDominica
Yesterday heri
TodayHodie
TomorrowDeman

Months in Interlingua

JanuaryJanuario
FebruaryFebruario
MarchMartio
AprilApril
MayMaio
JuneJunio
JulyJulio
AugustAugusto
SeptemberSeptembre
OctoberOctobre
NovemberNovembre
DecemberDecembre

Seasons in Interlingua

WinterHiberno
SpringPrimavera
SummerEstate
AutumnAutumno

Telling Time in Interlingua

What time is it
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
O clock
Half
Quarter past
Before
After