Addressing an international forum on the Cyrillic alphabet titled "Alphabet. Language. Identity." in Sofia Thursday, Education and Science Minister Galin Tsokov spoke about the Ministry's work in this field. The event, co-organized by Ministry, brought together over 30 Slavic scholars from 11 countries to discuss the significance of the Cyrillic alphabet for Slavic heritage.
Speaking at the event, Tsokov said that MES has implemented key policies to enhance academic collaboration by funding overseas Bulgarian language lectureships. This academic year, 29 lecturers were sent abroad, with three in Asia and the remainder in Europe, he added and acknowledged the vital role of partner universities in this initiative.
The forum aims to unite the scientific community focused on Bulgarian studies, both domestic and international. This forum continues Bulgaria's tradition of promoting Bulgarian studies globally.
Tsokov shared that interest in studying Bulgarian among Japanese youth has surged, reflecting a broader global trend. The Ministry supports this interest by funding events at foreign universities and annual summer courses in Bulgarian language and culture. These initiatives immerse international students in Bulgarian traditions and foster long-term ambassadors for Bulgaria.
The national programme for Bulgarian language and culture facilitates the study of the Bulgarian language for tens of thousands of Bulgarian children living abroad. The programme supports hundreds of Sunday schools, playing a crucial role in maintaining Bulgarian identity among children born outside Bulgaria, he added.
"The scientific program for the development and promotion of Bulgarian studies abroad is very important and is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science. I hope that in the next phase it will receive even more significant financial support, as this national program enables the development of Bulgarian studies as a research field," Tsokov continued.
He also shared information about the Beron programme and the official online dictionary of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. They aim to foster the development of Bulgarian studies and enhance access to the Bulgarian language. This digital resource is available to Bulgarian children and young people worldwide, with plans to expand its functionality.
The International Cyrillic Forum "Alphabet. Language. Identity" is a two-day conference initiated by Vice President Iliana Iotova and supported by the Ministry of Education and Science. It discussed the significance of letters, words, language, and culture for the Slavic heritage, its preservation and dissemination in today’s world, and the importance of language and identity in the processes of globalization, highlighting Bulgaria's key role in the creation and preservation of Slavic civilization. The event takes place in Plovdiv and continues until June 28.
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