by David Mossop
David Mossop first came to Bulgaria in the distant 1987 to work as a teacher at British Council Bulgaria. He had previously studied Russian and wanted to learn one more Slavic language. Little did he know then that his entire life was to become ineluctably connected with Bulgaria, its language and culture. He spent the past 27 years almost entirely living and working in Bulgaria, interpreting for Presidents and Prime Ministers, and translating poetry and prose from Bulgarian into English.
“I would like to think that my entire professional career as a linguist and my system of moral values both acquired and innate has led me to want to serve as a bridge between the two cultures which I love and which have shaped me as a person.” – David Mossop
My greatest adventure in Bulgaria was in January 1997 during the protest rallies caused by hyper-inflation and political corruption. On returning home one evening I found myself in the midst of the protesters in front of the National Assembly building, when I received a call from a friend who worked for CNN. Did I know about the protests? Yes, I was in the middle of them. I then proceeded to relay events directly from my telephone to CNN studios. The next day a CNN team came out to Sofia to report. I would like to think that my serendipitous involvement made some contribution at that moment in time to Bulgaria’s liberalisation and enhanced image before the world.
There are two moments which fill me with pride and gratitude for my life in Bulgaria. They both took place recently. In 2013 I was awarded a Doctorate by the Department of Bulgarian Language in the University of Sofia for my dissertation on how the English Language has influenced modern Bulgarian, for better or for worse. With my academic work I felt I could give back to the academic community at least what I suppose is a positive prognosis for the development of the Bulgarian language. Too many Bulgarians seem to have a pessimistic view on the matter.
The second moment of great joy and pride in recent years is connected with my other passion – a passion which was given to me and fostered by my life in Bulgaria. I own and train three horses which I keep in Bankya, just outside Sofia. In 2012 and 2013 I won the Bulgarian Amateur Dressage championship with my horse Minister. I must admit that when the Bulgarian national anthem was played in my honour at the prize-giving ceremony, a tear of pride and joy came to my eye.
