The so-called Seal of Biliteracy was created in 2011 in the US state of California with the idea that in the conditions of a globalized economy and relationships, it is not possible for a person to develop their full potential by mastering just one language. Thanks to the program, recognized in many places in the United States, Bulgarian is among the languages ​​that can bring professional and academic success.

"The idea of ​​conducting a Bulgarian language exam, which gives credit in the American educational system and is associated with a Bulgarian educational institution - the Department of Language Teaching at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, started in 2015 at the initiative of the then director of the John Atanasoff Bulgarian School in Chicago, Boyanka Ivanova,” says Daniela Sirakova, head of the consular service in New York.

“The Bulgarian language test proposed by the department was subsequently approved by the State Board of Education and in 2017 the Ministry of Education and Science supported it as a test that is validating knowledge in the United States. The concluded agreement confirms the right of the Department of Language Teaching to assess the proficiency in Bulgarian language of pupils and students living abroad. It also gives the opportunity to every Bulgarian school abroad to become a kind of Bulgarian language examination center."

Seal of Biliteracy - international recognition of the secondary education diploma with unlimited validity, brings many advantages, including when applying to a university, as many young people living in the United States speak only English.

"Students who received a certificate in the USA say that it was Bulgarian that helped them enter a university where they could study International Relations and Politics,” the diplomat says. “Our language is considered one of the rare ones and this turns out to be a real treasure as it brings students additional points. In addition, many universities recognize it as a passed exam, which brings additional credits and saves time."

The Seal of Biliteracy achieves another important goal - motivating the young generation of Bulgarians around the world to study the language of their ancestors and to preserve the Bulgarian cultural and spiritual space abroad. "This achievement will remain in the history of Bulgarian emigration forever," Daniela Sirakova says.

About 300-400 young Bulgarians from the East Coast alone have so far taken advantage of the opportunity to receive a certificate. Most of the graduates of Bulgarian Sunday schools take the exams, realizing the advantages not only in universities, but also in future career development.

So far, thirteen states have recognized the Seal of Biliteracy in Bulgarian, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.

According to the diplomat, the recognition of the Bulgarian language as part of matriculation in other countries around the world should be raised as an exceptional priority in our foreign policy because this motivates young Bulgarians abroad and brings them success. In what areas can they develop?

"They can achieve countless things," Daniela Sirakova replies. "Although Bulgarian is not a popular language, it gives them the opportunity to stand out among all the others. Most of the foreign language speakers here speak Spanish, German, while Eastern European languages ​​are among the small exotic languages. They are extremely sought after in the field of international relations, politics, even in scientific research, and this is an invaluable connection to the other side of the world."

Author: Diana Tsankova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photos: absa-association.org, Facebook/ Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York, Facebook/ Consulate General of Bulgaria in Los Angeles, Bulgarian School in Seattle, Facebook/ Bulgarian Education Center