ESP.Culturo

Fig. 1: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

How can constructed language be used to increase inclusiveness in our societies?

For my MA project I have looked at constructed language and how Esperanto in particular can be used to increase inclusiveness in our societies. The final result is a prototype for a culture making initiative, meant to encourage users from around the globe to take part in digital Esperanto culture making. The aim behind the initiative, ESP.Culturo, is to build awareness of Esperanto as a language, but also to build an inclusive and welcoming global community, where people can explore other perspectives than one’s own and take part in cultural experiences.

Fig. 2: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

In ESP.Culturo, users build culture by developing digital art works, writing a piece of text or simply by exploring an AR gallery where works by users are displayed. The initiative is open to everyone and is all about commenting on themes such as peace, inclusion and social issues. The platform asks users to create works based on these themes, which lets them share a personal perspective on topics that relate to Esperanto – not only as a language, but as a cultural space.

Fig. 3: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

Making culture & building community

According to Leonard Orban, “Esperanto is lacking culture, and therefore not a real language” (Garvía, 2015). I interpret this to mean that for Esperanto to become a “real language”, people will need a reason to connect with the language – perhaps on a spiritual and rather intuitional level. With ESP.Culturo, culture making is made available to a global community, open to anyone no matter where they are from. Hopefully this can help people connect with the language, as well as other people in general.

Fig. 4: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result
Fig. 5: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result
Fig. 6: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

A social movement

In addition to exploring works in the AR gallery, users can also share their outcomes and gallery tours on social media. This way, users will develop “digital activism posters”, fighting for the common good whilst also building awareness around Esperanto as a language.

Fig. 7: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result
Fig. 8: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

Exhibiting inclusively

The ESP.Culturo works are showcased in an AR gallery, meaning that the “made culture” is equally as available to everyone around the globe. By merging users’ personal spaces with a constructed Esperanto one, the private and shared blends, resulting in people stepping out of their own culture and into a shared one.

The hope is that users will find a common ground as they experience this shared culture for all, exposing them to ideas of togetherness and new perspectives.

Fig. 9: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

Adding a third dimension to the 2D screen

The 2D website is tied together with the AR gallery rooms by giving the design a sense of depth. Shadows, blurred sections and layering are used to give the illusion of a third dimension. Subtle movement is meant to mimic harmonious movement that we find in real spaces – particularly those in nature.

Fig. 10: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result
Fig. 11: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

Usability and structure

Functionality wise, users will start their ESP.Culturo session on the front page, where a range of gallery rooms are presented. From here they can either choose to visit one of the rooms (stepping into AR mode), or they can click the Make button to create an art work or piece of text. The info button opens and overlay where users can read about the initiative and learn more about how the platform works.

Fig. 12: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

Desktop users will have to scan a QR-code using a phone or tablet, in order to access an AR room. Mobile users can jump straight into a room from the “room entry info card”.

Fig. 13: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result
Fig. 14: Reigstad 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result

Once in AR, users can walk around in their space, exploring works. For information about the works they can click on them to open an information card. The UI also lets users record and take snapshots, which can be shared with friends or on social media.

On the Make page, users start by choosing wether they’d like to write or draw. They are then taken to a writing or drawing tool, where they will make their piece and hit save. Lastly, they are asked how they’d like to share their work, which lets them complete the making session.

Prototypes

To get a clearer understanding of the website functionality, please visit the prototypes:

Desktop
Mobile

(Choose between still or animated in the flow window)

In order to demonstrate the functionality of the AR galleries, I have also set up an Aero file with one illustration, which can be viewed using a mobile device.

Scan the QR code to enter it:


LIST OF FIGURES:

Figure 1: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 2: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 3: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 4: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 5: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 6: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 7: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 8: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 9: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 10: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 11: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 12: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 13: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad.

Figure 14: Ingrid REIGSTAD. 2022. ESP.Culturo: Final result. Private collection: Ingrid Reigstad