Boris Kolker
Moldova- Boris Grigorievich Kolker: An Esperanto Scholar and Language Teacher
- Esperanto and Language Expertise
- Professional Career
- Esperanto Movement Leadership
- International Recognition
- Later Years
Boris Grigorievich Kolker: An Esperanto Scholar and Language Teacher
Early Life and EducationBoris Grigorievich Kolker was born on July 15, 1939, in Tiraspol, Moldavian ASSR. He lived in Chisinau, Moldavian SSR, from 1944 to 1965 and later resided in Birsk and Ufa, Bashkir ASSR, from 1965 to 1993. In 1962, he graduated from Chisinau University with a degree in Russian language, literature, and French language.
Esperanto and Language Expertise
Kolker became an avid Esperantist in 1957. Heauthored three Esperanto textbooks for different levels and published articles on interlinguistics and reviews. He was a member of the Esperanto Academy, the Universal Esperanto Association (UEA), and the Esperanto Literary Academy.
Professional Career
After graduating, Kolker worked as a bibliographer, a senior lecturer, a translator, and a research scientist. In 1985, he defended his PhD thesis on Esperanto at the Institute of Linguistics, USSR Academy of Sciences. He led mass Esperanto correspondence courses in Russia, graduating nearly 900 students.
Esperanto Movement Leadership
Kolker was actively involved in the Esperanto movement. He co-founded and led the Soviet Youth Esperanto Movement (SEJM), the Ufa Esperanto Club, and the Association of Soviet Esperantists (ASE). He was also the delegate of the Universal Esperanto Association (UEA) in the USSR and a member of the committee of the International Examination Commission for Esperanto.
International Recognition
Kolker presented at numerous World Esperanto Congresses and coordinated the theme of the 85th Congress in Tel Aviv in 2000. His contributions to the field earned him the title of Honorary Member of the Universal Esperanto Association.
Later Years
In 1993, Kolker moved to Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He worked as an office manager and a freelance translator. He also continued to teach Esperanto online through the IPKK (Advanced Training Courses for Esperantists).
