Greek and its statute in the Bulgarian educational system during the revival period

Abstract

The present study attempts, on the one hand, to classify the languages according to their social role and significance during the Revival period and, on the other, to typify them according to the way they have been introduced in the educational system during the period under review with a focus placed on the Greek language. Based on the contemporary interpretations of concepts such as „native“, „second“ and „foreign“ languages, the study focuses on its dissemination and use on the Bulgarian lands and concludes that the Bulgarian educational system is in the role of the avant-garde with regard to Modern Greek language training. Decades before Modern Greek was first taught in Greece, it was being taught as a second language in Bulgarian schools and the first teaching materials were being published. Knowledge of Greek in the Renaissance era was seen as a prerequisite for success in business relations, trade and entrepreneurship, education, science, and cultural exchange.