Language Divide in North Macedonia: Few Speak Bulgarian, Many Shun It

North Macedonia (also known as FYROM) has a complex linguistic landscape characterized by a significant minority that speaks Bulgarian, but the overall percentage is remarkably low. This article delves into the language dynamics, the reasons behind this linguistic phenomenon, and its implications for the region.

Low Percentage of Macedonians Speaking Bulgarian

While there are a few Macedonians who can speak Bulgarian, the vast majority do not. This situation is not without its peculiarities, as evidenced by a notable instance on BG TV, where a Macedonian journalist managed to speak Bulgarian but with noticeable errors and an accent that turned out to be not entirely trivial to switch to.

Despite the limited number of Macedonians who can speak Bulgarian fluently, the language remains important for communication. However, Macedonian is the primary language, and Macedonians do not typically learn Bulgarian, nor do Bulgarians commonly learn Macedonian. The reasons for this linguistic separation are complex, influenced by historical, political, and cultural factors.

Minority Bulgarian Speakers in North Macedonia

The 2002 census in North Macedonia recorded a mere 6,650 Bulgarian citizens, excluding those who hold dual citizenship, which allows them to travel and work freely without a visa. Additionally, the Macedonian government lacks accurate data on the number of these dual citizens. However, Bulgarian officials estimate that around 35,000 people in North Macedonia claim Bulgarian citizenship. Notably, these individuals do not consider themselves Macedonian but rather Bulgarian.

It is worth mentioning that the real number of Bulgarian speakers in North Macedonia is significantly different, with only 685 people identified as true Bulgarian speakers. The rest are considered by Bulgarians as "Bulgarians with a purpose," suggesting a strategic affiliation for benefits rather than genuine identity.

Geopolitical Context and Language Differences

North Macedonia officially recognizes Macedonian as its national language, while Bulgaria, a member of the European Union, does not recognize the concept of Macedonia as an independent country. Instead, Bulgaria views the area as part of its broader historical and cultural region, where Greek Macedonians predominantly speak Greek.

Despite the linguistic and cultural similarities between Macedonian and Bulgarian, the level of proficiency necessary for university attendance in Bulgaria is notably higher. For Macedonian speakers, attending university in Bulgarian requires additional courses in Bulgarian as a foreign language, highlighting the significant gap in language proficiency.

Language Proficiency and University Education

While Macedonian identity is strongly rooted and well-established, the language divide becomes apparent when considering higher education and international mobility. The percentage of Macedonians who can speak Bulgarian at a level sufficient for attending high school or university is extremely low—estimated to be around 1%. Conversely, Macedonians of Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, and other nationalities have a far higher proficiency in Macedonian, at around 99%.

Macedonian, like other South Slavic languages such as Serbian, Croatian, and Bulgarian, shares linguistic roots and similarities. However, these similarities are not sufficient for seamless communication and understanding. The complexity of the language divide reflects a broader socio-political context that influences identity and language use.

Implications for Understanding and Integration

The linguistic divide between Macedonian and Bulgarian underscores the need for better understanding and integration efforts in North Macedonia. While the numbers are small, the significance of Bulgarian speakers and the broader implications for regional relations cannot be ignored.

For North Macedonia, fostering better communication and understanding with Bulgaria, despite the official diplomatic stance, would be crucial for regional stability and cooperation. This includes educational initiatives that promote language proficiency and cultural exchange, as well as diplomatic efforts to reconcile historical and cultural differences.

In conclusion, while the percentage of North Macedonians who can speak Bulgarian is very low, the linguistic and cultural dynamics are rich and complex. The understanding of these differences is essential for better regional relations and integration within the broader Balkan and European context.