What Are the Different Ways to Learn Bulgarian?

There are many interesting and easy ways to learn Bulgarian, a beautiful language spoken by more than nine million people worldwide. Some of the easiest ways to learn Bulgarian casually are through books, interactive language software, and over the Internet. Those seeking a greater level of fluency may want to consider trying to learn Bulgarian through foreign language courses, or immersive language trips to Bulgaria.

Using books to learn Bulgarian is a good way to get a basic handle on the language. In addition to commercial language books found in bookstores, consider contacting college campuses to find used or new Bulgarian textbooks. Language books can be very helpful, since they generally explain grammar, phrasing, and other important concepts very carefully. Books also allow the student to progress at his or her own pace, which can be helpful for first-time language students.

One of the upsides to language software is that it typically allows for better pronunciation practice than books. Using interactive language software to learn Bulgarian still allows the student to work at his or her own pace, but provides games, lesson plans, translation exercises, and oral demonstrations to help the student improve. Language software may also include interesting information about cultural history and events, so that the student can learn Bulgarian while studying the fascinating country of Bulgaria, as well.

The Internet is another interesting way to improve Bulgarian language sites. Some websites offer basic Bulgarian lessons for free, including classes on how to write and memorize the Cyrillic alphabet. Other websites are similar to language software: for a fee, the student is provided with lessons through the website. The Internet can also be a handy resource for looking up specific words or translating complicated Bulgarian sentences. There are many free translation websites that can help students find the word or phrase they need.

Taking foreign language classes is probably the most traditional way to learn Bulgarian. Offered through community colleges or language schools, these courses are usually divided by fluency level. Students may use a textbook and do homework, but also spend a lot of time learning to converse with the instructor and one another. Taking classes is a good way to start speaking Bulgarian as fast as possible, since many courses focus on oral work as opposed to reading and writing the language.

One of the most exciting ways to learn Bulgarian is to dive headfirst into the country of Bulgaria. Through foreign exchange programs, immersion language classes, or even simply traveling alone, spending several months living in Bulgaria can be a great way to learn the language. An immersion-based program forces the student to use the language daily to perform nearly every task, from ordering dinner to finding the right bus. Some language experts believe that immersion programs are the best way to learn a language, since the student is motivated to learn fast in order to cope with the unfamiliar environment.