Source: Canva
As we approach the end of the month in which we celebrated the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture, and Slavic Literature, I have decided to collect in one place some curious facts about the Bulgarian language and the Cyrillic alphabet. Here’s a special list to help you stand out in your university discussions, especially among your Bulgarian friends. Enjoy reading!
The Significance of Cyrillic in the EU
In 2007, when Bulgaria joined the European Union, Cyrillic was officially recognized as the third script of the EU, along with Latin and Greek. This event underscored the cultural and historical importance of the Bulgarian alphabet within Europe.
Usage Beyond Europe
More than 252 million people around the world use the Cyrillic alphabet. Originally created in the late 9th century at the Preslav Literary School, it is now used by various Slavic and non-Slavic nations including Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Ukraine, and several others across Europe and Asia.
Origins
The alphabet is attributed to Saint Clement Ohridski, a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It was named after Saint Cyril, who was instrumental in its creation. Over the years, Cyrillic has evolved and spread among different Slavic peoples.
Dissemination
Bulgaria was the first country to officially adopt the Cyrillic alphabet in 893 AD. This early adoption played a crucial role in disseminating the script throughout Eastern Europe.
Phonetic Precision
The Bulgarian alphabet is highly phonetic, meaning there is a close correspondence between letters and sounds. This phonetic consistency makes it relatively straightforward to learn pronunciation from spelling.
Unique Fonts and City Branding
In Bulgaria, the capital city Sofia has a specially designed Cyrillic font used for city branding. This unique typeface, called Sofia Sans reflects the city's cultural heritage and modern identity.
Free Bulgarian Cyrillic Fonts
For those of you interested in exploring Bulgarian Cyrillic typography, there are numerous free fonts available that capture the essence of this historic script. You can find some of them here.
By acquainting yourself with these facts, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the Cyrillic alphabet and impress your peers with your knowledge during celebrations and discussions.
Reneta, OLS Community Manager – Bulgarian