One of the most bewildering things for a newcomer to Esperanto is the plethora of strange and similar-sounding acronyms. The unsuspecting komencanto can soon be drowning in a sea of abbreviations, and despair of ever knowing his IJS from his IJK. Below is a collection of the most common acronyms you are likely to encounter, as well as a brief explanation and links to further information

AS – Ago-semajno, a week long event for young people, formerly held in Poland around New Year. Now to be replaced by JES (see below).

BK – Brita Kongreso, an annual congress for British Esperantists, held in a different part of the country each year. Typically the BK hosts the AGMs of EAB and JEB. In 2009 the BK will be in Salisbury.

CO – Centra Oficejo, the headquarters of UEA in Rotterdam.

EAB – Esperanto-Asocio de Britio, the official organisation for speakers of Esperanto in Britain. EAB organises events and congresses, publishes several newsletters and provides a book service. EAB is a registered charity, with headquarters currently in Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent.

ELNA – Esperanto-Ligo por Norda Ameriko, EAB’s American counterpart.

IJF – Internacia Junulara Festivalo, a week-long event organisation by young Esperantists in Italy, normally taking place around Easter each year.

IJK – Internacia Junularo Kongreso, the biggest annual meet-up for young Esperantists anywhere in the world, this congress happens in a different country each year. In 2009 it will take place in Liberec, Czech Republic.

IJS – Internacia Junularo Semajno, this event is organised by young Esperantists in Hungary and typically takes place one week every July.

IS – Internacia Seminario, historically this event has been held in a different German town each New Year. With effect from 2009, the IS will be combined with the AS to form JES.

JEB – Junularo Esperantista Brita, the association for young speakers of Esperanto in Britain.

JES – Junulara E-Semajno, a new event for young Esperantists, jointly organised by the Germans and Poles, to take place in Poland over New Year 2009/10.

KTP – Kaj tiel plu, etc.

LBE – La Brita Esperantisto, The British Esperantist, a magazine published by EAB twice annually, entirely in Esperanto. Back issues are available to read online.

LKK – Loka Kongresa Komitato, the committee with responsibility for organising an Esperanto congress

MIRO – M_ Internacia RenkontigxO, an event organised by young Esperantists in Croatia, typically taking place after the UK or the IJK. The meaning of the initial M changes every year, depending on where the event is held.

NF – NoJEF – Norwich Jubilee Esperanto Foundation, a charity which funds the travel of young British Esperantists.

PIV – Plena Ilustrita Vortaro, the complete illustrated dictionary of Esperanto. An enormous monolingual dictionary of Esperanto.

PMEG – Plena Manlibro de Esperanta Gramatiko, a book which explains Esperanto grammar in Esperanto. PMEG is a great resource and is available for free on the web.

PS – Pasporta Servo, a hospitality service for speakers of Esperanto. Esperantists can volunteer to let other Esperantists stay in their homes, either for free or for a small contribution, and travel the world as a guest of other people.

SAT – Sennacia Asocio Tutmonda, the world annational association. A left-wing political Esperanto group.

SATEB – Sennacia Asocio Tutmonda en Britio, the British affiliate of SAT.

TEJO – Tutmonda Esperantista Junulara Organizo, the official international organisation for young Esperantists. TEJO is responsible for publishing the Pasporta Servo booklet, as well as organising the IJK.

UEA – Universala Esperanto-Asocio, the world Esperanto organisation, the largest international organisation of Esperanto –speakers.

UK – Universala Kongreso, organised by UEA this is the biggest Esperanto congress in the world, typically occurring one week each summer in a different country. Recent destinations have included Rotterdam, Yokohama and Florence. In 2009, the UK will be in Bialystok, Poland.