0
Hello,
Favourite properties (0)
Saved searches
Selected for you
Notifications
Subscriptions
Settings
Sign out
Close

Seminar in Bulgarian language and culture in Veliko Turnovo brings together participants from four continents

2019-07-23   |  Bnr.bg

The ambition to study Bulgaria’s language, traditions, past and present brought together people from four continents in Veliko Turnovo for the 42nd international seminar in Bulgarian language and culture organized by the St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo, the Ministry of Education and Veliko Turnovo municipality. The forum opened on 15 July and will end on 4 August.

“It is such a pleasant environment, and the weather is great! The participants are having a really good time,” says Prof. Dr. Hristo Bonjolov, director of the seminar: “110 people registered for this year’s seminar. We currently have 100 people and they come from 36 countries. We are expecting new arrivals during the second week. By a tradition we have many people coming from Germany, Russia, Poland, Serbia. This year we have many participants from China, and for the first time – from Azerbaijan and Vietnam.”

All kinds of people are taking part in the seminar – Slavicists, musicians, teachers, lawyers, translators, pensioners, there is even a nuclear energy expert from the UK. Some of them have Bulgarian roots, others have mixed marriages, there are some who want to get to know a culture that is new to them. And as the range of participants is very wide, for the Bulgarian language classes they are divided up into groups, depending on their level of knowledge, says Prof. Bonjolov:

“We start at А0 and end at С2. That means from people who do not know the alphabet and come from countries where the Cyrillic alphabet is unknown, to translators from countries of the EU, i.e. we are following the European reference levels А1, А2, В1…, but we start with people who don’t even have any notion of the Cyrillic alphabet.”

As always, the organizers are offering the participants an array of different activities, bringing them in contact with the past and the present of Bulgaria. Besides the study of the Bulgarian language there will be specialized seminars:

“There are more traditional subjects like history, culture and art, as well as Bulgarian folklore and ethnography. The seminar invariably features modern Bulgarian language as well as Bulgarian literature and contemporary Bulgarian cinema. This year we added “Tourism, Multilingualism and Translation” with one of our leading lecturers Prof. Lyudmila Ivanova. We aim to maintain the level from previous years but also to add new and different things.”

The programme also features theme nights – of Bulgarian literature, arts and crafts, cuisine. Besides the old Bulgarian capital – Veliko Turnovo – the participants will also be able to see pearls of architecture from the national Revival period like Zheravna and Arbanassi.

For those who would like to join the seminar in the future, Prof. Hristo Bonjolov explains:

“There are three programmes they can take part in. One is the programme by the Ministry of Education, agreements with countries on an exchange of students – those studying the Bulgarian language and students from Bulgaria studying the languages of other countries. For this category, the universities of Veliko Turnovo and Sofia are given state quotas. The second category are people visiting the university by force of international agreements. The third category are people who finance their Bulgarian language studies at the summer seminar themselves. All the relevant information is available on the website of the university, including forms that can be filled out for the two- and three-week programmes. The fee covers all costs – the tours, the cultural programme, and the last four days – an all-inclusive holiday in the resort of Albena on the Black Sea.”

Photos: private library

View our selection of properties in Veliko Tarnovo region for sale and rent

  Read more news

Share
Rural Houses in Bulgaria - wonderful in every season!
A real peace of heaven in the Bulgarian countryside! Your own holiday home in a magic world hidden from the stress and the noise of urban life.

Join us on a journey back to nature!
See More
☀️ Discover wonderful homes in the Bulgarian beach resorts!
Check out our selection of properties on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast! Attractive prices, regular flights to Burgas and Varna international airports. Perfect for frequent visits, summer holidays, and more.
See More

More News

latest news
Bulgaria Joins the Eurozone on 1 January 2026

In a historic and long-anticipated move, the Council of the European Union has given its final approval for Bulgaria to adopt the euro as its official currency. As of 1 January 2026, Bulgaria will become the 21st member of the euro area, marking a significant step forward in the country’s European integration.

This milestone is not just symbolic — it represents a major economic achi...

09 July, 2025
latest news
Two decades of Santa Marina complex – a sustainable model for coastal living

The holiday complex in Sozopol offers well-developed infrastructure and a variety of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.

In 2025, the Santa Marina holiday village in Sozopol celebrates its 20th season – an important milestone for one of the most successful and recognisable projects on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Over two decades, the complex has established itself as ...

07 July, 2025
Company news
BULGARIAN PROPERTIES Agents of July 2025 🏆

Your experts in a fast-evolving Bulgarian property market!

June was an impressive month for the real estate market and a strong close to the first half of the year. Deals were finalized at a high pace, we opened a new office in Sunny Beach, launched operations in Shumen, appeared in national media, and reaffirmed our leading market position!

We are proud to present o...

02 July, 2025
Press & Media
What to expect for housing prices in Bulgaria after the introduction of the euro?

Property prices in Sofia are still significantly lower than those in other European capitals

How will the property market in Bulgaria change after we join the eurozone? This is a key question for both property owners and those considering a purchase. Will prices rise? Will there be a slowdown? Should I buy, sell, or wait?

The experience of other countries shows that a...

30 June, 2025

REQUEST DETAILS