Interview with Nora
Last summer in Veliko Tarnovo I met Nora, a girl who has taken part in several seminars about the Bulgarian language. This interview draws inspiration from the conversation we had that day, speaking about the Bulgarian language and linguistics in general, mental health and Bulgaria.
We got in touch through a mutual friend, Zofi, who you met in a seminar about Bulgarian language. How is your relationship with your mother tongue? Which are the reasons that bring you to study it?
Although Bulgarian is a beautiful language, I think it’s difficult to master it. It has a rich vocabulary and so many grammar exceptions. Some natives find Bulgarian tedious, but I think its characteristics are very captivating because they give you the freedom to express yourself in so many ways. I always try to correct myself whenever I make a grammar or lexical mistake, even in my everyday life, where it doesn’t really matter whether I spell words correctly. In my opinion, Bulgarians should try to retain the Bulgarian language as much as we can because it represents our rich history and culture and overall Bulgaria as a nation — colourful and unique.
What do you enjoy about studying Bulgarian and languages in general?
I perceive languages as a form of freedom. If someone’s vocabulary is rich enough, they can use a language as a tool to express their thoughts and desires, so they can be properly understood. In addition, when you study a new language, you open a door to a whole new world — of a new culture, nation, history, traditions, etc… No matter what a person’s professional career is, speaking another language besides their mother tongue can broaden their horizon, enrich their general knowledge, and give access to new information. It’s important to communicate with people from different nationalities, so we can exchange information and experience.
How does a language change over the years? How does its changes capture the evolution of a society?
As I have heard many times in my classes at the university — languages are alive, change and grow. I think it’s normal for languages to change as society does, as they’re only a tool to be used according to needs. Sadly, a lot of Bulgarian words are being replaced by loanwords, mainly from English. Even though the Bulgarian language already has a lot of Turkish, Arabic, Greek loan words, Bulgarians are mostly upset about the English loanwords which younger generations have started using instead of the Bulgarian equivalents. But I find this quite normal since there’s a strong western influence. Some grammar rules might be simplified in future through ignorance. However, I don’t think there is a significant change in Bulgarian language, besides the loanwords.
Your mother tongue is Bulgarian, you speak English and you’re learning Mandarin Chinese. So three different writing systems (Cyrillic, Latin, Chinese characters). Do you think that learning different writing systems may be a way to enrich our thinking?
Absolutely, all 3 of these languages have a system of their own. On a subconscious level, I perceive each of them in a different way. I’m used to English as much as I am to Bulgarian, but there’s some difference with Chinese because I’ve been learning it for only 4 years. I’m still getting used to the word order and logic in this language and sometimes I see it as a puzzle. When I have to construct a sentence, I pick different pieces (words) and try to place them in their right place in the specific context. Exercises like these are always helpful for the human brain.
We said earlier that you’re studying Mandarin Chinese. Are you fascinated by Chinese culture? Which elements are you more interested in?
Thanks to its long history and the different peoples living in it, China is a colourful and culturally rich country. I had a Chinese history class at the university and before taking it I had no idea how interesting and old this country is. One thing I really like about Chinese culture is that the mythology is intertwined with history. Myths are the basis for many literary works, and Chinese literature has no shortage of talented authors. I believe that one can gain considerable knowledge not only about Chinese culture but about the world in general from such works. For me, they are universal and should not be read superficially. If you study history well, you can learn from our ancestors’ experience.
For my great pleasure, there are a lot of historical sights in China. I’d love to have the opportunity to visit some of them in future.
Which are your interests besides languages?
My interests revolve mainly around growth, both mental and physical. I try to learn as much as my body can and how to keep it in good health. For instance, I try to regularly train and have a healthy relationship with food. Besides this, I usually spend my free time playing games or watching movies/series with friends. I always try to find the balance between leisure time and my responsibilities, especially studying.
Something relevant in your everyday life is taking care of your mental health. I remember that when we met in Veliko Tarnovo you mentioned that generally Bulgaria has a slower pace of life than other European countries. Do you believe that having slower rhythms may positively affect our mental state?
Absolutely. I haven’t been to many countries, but as far as I know, in most big cities people are prone to feel bad or anxious because of their hectic life. I haven’t felt like that and I think it’s mainly because Bulgaria isn’t as developed as other European countries. The pacing is slow, there’s no need to hurry. Of course, that has its drawbacks (less investments, lower wages), but I’m quite happy I was born and raised here. I prefer to live a calm and not so financially rich life rather than having a lot of money but sacrificing my mental health.
Could you share a saying in Bulgarian?
„Човек каквото сам си направи, друг не може да го направи“
„Whatever you can do yourself, another person cannot.“
I love this saying because, in my opinion, everyone has to be responsible for their actions. We can always ask for advice, but at the end of the day, we are the one taking the final decision. I try to remind myself of this because I think it’s common for Bulgarians to always try to justify themselves and find the fault in someone else instead of taking responsibility. I understand that it’s easier to blame others, but, after all, we have to strive to be better people.
Last question. I travelled to Bulgaria several times and if I have to pick some places to visit I would recommend Seven Lakes of Rila, Buzludhza and Veliko Tarnovo. What would you suggest?
The aforementioned places are spectacular, especially VT. I love the fact that soon it will be 10 years since I’ve been living in this city. I never get tired of it. I think partly because it’s at the beginning of the Balkan Mountains. For instance, Kazanlak is another town, which is on the other side of the mountains — the south side and I find it as peaceful and as beautiful as VT. Not to mention the fact that Kazanlak is in the Rose valley, famous for its rose oil. I love visiting small towns and villages in the mountains, even if there are no tourist landmarks in them. These places are full of historical sights, but I would learn about them only by visiting. The small town of Elena and all the villages in the area, the villas, and the hiking trails — the atmosphere is unmatched, I feel like I’m where I belong. Of course, I love going to the seaside in summertime, but I always perceive it as something temporary, like a new place in which I’m only a visitor.
