Overview

Bulgarian is a South Slavic language spoken primarily in Bulgaria. It is one of the oldest written Slavic languages and the official language of Bulgaria and the European Union.

Alphabet

Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet with 30 letters. The Cyrillic script was actually developed in the First Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century.

Sound Features

Bulgarian phonology includes:

• Stress patterns that can change word meaning
• Reduction of unstressed vowels
• Palatalization of consonants
• No pitch accent (unlike Serbian)

Key Grammar Highlights

Bulgarian is unique among Slavic languages for:

• No case system (cases were lost over time)
• Use of definite articles (the only Slavic language to have them)
• Complex verb system with multiple past tenses
• Use of the particle "да" for subordinate clauses

Related Languages

Bulgarian is most closely related to Macedonian. It also shares features with other South Slavic languages like Serbian and Croatian.

Basic Phrases

• Hello: Здравей / Здравейте
• Thank you: Благодаря
• Yes: Да
• No: Не
• Please: Моля

Cultural Note

Bulgarians traditionally shake their head for "yes" and nod for "no" - the opposite of most other cultures!

Resources

• Bulgarian language courses
• Bulgarian media and literature
• Language exchange programs
• Online dictionaries and grammar guides