Accent in Bulgarian dialects

Prof. Benyo Tsonev
(1863-1926)

Bulgarian dialects are a colourful mosaic with respect to accent, not less so as respecting any other trait. Oddly enough, one finds accent variations that deeply affect the classifi­cation basis which are lacking in other Slavic languages. For example, Polish and Czech have well established accents which are the same in all their dialects. Russian dialects, although possess­ing some accent variety, on the whole are homogenous through­out the Russian dialect area with the exception of dialects adjacent to Polish ones, such as Galician dialects, in which Polish influence dominates [1].

Solun dialect

Solun dialect is a Bulgarian dialect spoken in the vicinity of Solun (Greek: Saloniki, Thessaloniki). This dialect is best represented in the villages of Visoka [2], Suho, and Zarovo, [3] near Lagadin, to the north of Solun. In addition to these, Solun dialect mixed with the neighboring Kukush-Voden dialect, is spoken in the villages of Negovan, Gradobor, Ayvatovo, Novo selo, Balevets, Kirechkyoy, Kliseli (Ilinets). [4][1] It is universally accepted that Solun dialect has preserved best the features of the Bulgarian language at the time of Cyril and Methodius. [6][7]