On February 21, we hold the International Mother Language Day, which was established in 1999 by UNESCO. The events organized around the world aim to show the importance of learning and using the mother tongue, which leads to preserving the linguistic richness and cultural diversity of the planet. Preserving the mother tongue as an integral part of national identity is an issue that affects Bulgarian emigrants abroad. We have been witnessing their efforts aimed at preserving the language in clubs, societies and Sunday schools that maintain continuity between generations. In addition to studying the Bulgarian language, concerts are organised on the occasion of Bulgarian national holidays. People also get acquainted with folk customs, songs and literary works.

In this way, the children of emigrants placed in a foreign language environment, especially those born of mixed marriages, do not lose connection to their Bulgarian roots and language.

• The Bulgarian language and the advantages it brings abroad

Some time ago, the "Bulgarian Alphabet Song”, created by Vlada Tomova to facilitate the education of children attending the Bulgarian school "Young Bulgarian Voices - New York", became very popular among Bulgarian children in the city. We offer you a performance by children from the school, which over the years has managed to cross the borders of the Bulgarian community and attract to its cultural life people of various nationalities, all united by their love and interest in Bulgarian music, language and traditions.

Editor: Albena Bezovska

English: Alexander Markov