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The Life and Legacy of Arie de Jong: Dutch Linguist and Volapük Reformer

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The Influential Life of Arie de Jong

Arie de Jong: Champion of Volapük

Born in 1866, Dutch linguist Arie de Jong dedicated his life to the evolution of constructed languages. Best known for his reforms to Volapük, a language created in the 19th century, he sought to simplify its complexities and making it more accessible to speakers worldwide.

Arie de Jong's Contributions to Linguistics

In the world of linguistics, de Jong’s contributions were significant. His efforts in the reformation of Volapük aimed at addressing the language's intricacies, thus he introduced changes that made it easier for learners and speakers. This was particularly important during a time when international communication was growing.

The End of an Era: Arie de Jong's Death

Legacy of a Language Innovator

On March 3, 1958, Arie de Jong passed away at the age of 92, marking the end of an era for the constructed language community. His efforts not only gave Volapük a second chance but also inspired future language creators.

Commemoration of Arie de Jong

After his passing, de Jong was remembered for his passion and commitment to language reform. His work continues to influence not only aspiring linguists but also those interested in the phenomena of constructed languages and their place in global communication.

Fun Fact

Arie de Jong’s Interesting Contributions

Did you know that Arie de Jong published several works on Volapük, advocating its use during international conferences? His reforms focused not just on grammar but aimed at simplifying vocabulary to attract more speakers.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Arie de Jong

For those interested in exploring the realm of constructed languages and Arie de Jong’s reformative efforts, consider reading "Languages of the World: A Handbook of Linguistics" and "Volapük: A Language for International Communication".