site.btaVP Iotova Highlights Importance of Preserving Richness of National Languages

Speaking at the 10th international conference for Bulgarian Studies students, PhD students and lecturers held in Vienna, Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliana Iotova has highlighted the importance of preserving the richness of national languages, the head of State's Press Secretariat said on Thursday.

"I am here today to affirm my commitment not only to the preservation of Bulgarian studies but also to its development," Iotova said, praising the lecturers in this field at universities abroad. She highlighted the challenging task they face in inspiring young people’s interest in both the Bulgarian language and Bulgaria itself, especially in today's world full of opportunities. Iotova encouraged the students to stay true to science, calling it "the way to progress."

In her address at the opening of the international forum, Iotova emphasized Bulgaria's ancient history, noting that "history cultivates a value system that makes us resilient over the centuries."

Iotova also spoke about two international forums on the Cyrillic alphabet, which she initiated. These forums brought together Bulgarian and Slavic studies experts from around the world. "Their research showed that through Bulgaria, we come to know the history of other countries. It is through Bulgarian history that European and world history is written," the Vice President said.

Iotova awarded Prof. Elisabeth Schore with the Vice President’s honorary plaquette for her role in promoting Bulgarian studies at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg and her efforts to disseminate the work of prominent Bulgarian scientist, public figure, and politician Prof. Ivan Shishmanov.

Earlier, Iotova met with Bulgarian language lecturers and representatives from the Education and Science Ministry to discuss the need for greater institutional support for lectureships on Bulgarian language, literature, and culture.

The country’s most successful policy regarding Bulgarians abroad is the network of Sunday schools, the Vice President said when conferring with representatives of five Bulgarian schools in Austria.

The conference, held under Vice President Iotova’s patronage, was organized by the Bulgarian Cultural Institute Haus Wittgenstein with the support of the Bulgarian Embassy in Austria. Participants from 14 countries, including Bulgaria, presented their research on the theme Crossroads: Introversion and Extroversion of Bulgarian Culture. European Contexts. The event saw representatives from 25 universities, including institutions from Japan and India.