Cosmoglotta

Cosmoglotta is an international periodical dedicated to the promotion and development of Interlingue (originally known as Occidental), a constructed international auxiliary language created by Edgar de Wahl in 1922. First published in the 1920s, Cosmoglotta has played a central role in the Interlingue movement, serving as both a linguistic resource and a community hub for speakers and enthusiasts of the language. Today is the official journal of the Interlingue-Union.

Cosmoglotta was first published in 1922 under the name Kosmoglott by the Swiss-based Interlingue-Union, which coordinated the promotion of Occidental. The name was later changed to Cosmoglotta to align more closely with Latin-based international vocabulary. It was initially edited by Edgar de Wahl and subsequently by other prominent Interlingue figures such as Ric Berger and Alphonse Matejka.

The magazine quickly became the principal outlet for materials in and about Occidental/Interlingue, including original literature, translations, grammar discussions, philosophical debates about constructed languages, and news of the Interlingue-speaking community.

During and after World War II, interest in constructed languages declined, and so did the publication frequency of Cosmoglotta. Nonetheless, a small but dedicated community kept the language and the magazine alive.

In the early 21st century, with the resurgence of interest in planned languages and the growth of online communities, Cosmoglotta has seen renewed activity. Digital archives of past issues have been made available online, and some new content continues to be produced by modern Interlingue enthusiasts.

Throughout its history, Cosmoglotta has included a wide range of content such as:

• Original essays and poetry in Interlingue
• Translations of classic literary works
• Articles on grammar, vocabulary, and usage
• Discussions on language policy and international communication
• Reports from Interlingue user groups and meetings

The magazine has consistently aimed to demonstrate the usability and clarity of Interlingue as a practical international auxiliary language.

Cosmoglotta is considered one of the most significant publications in the history of constructed languages. Its longevity and scope have made it a valuable resource for linguists, historians, and hobbyists interested in the development and use of Interlingue. It remains one of the longest-running periodicals dedicated to an international auxiliary language.

• 1922-1926 Edgar de Wahl (under the name Kosmoglott, issues 1-37)
• 1927-1930 Engelbert Pigal
• 1931-1932 A.Z.Ramstedt, Bertil Blomé
• 1933-1950 Ric Berger
• 1951-1957 Interlingue Institute
• 1958-1985 Alphonse Matejka
• 1985-2000 Adrian J. Pilgrim
• 2000-present: Bedřich Plavec