What is inclusive language to you?​

At YIYD, inclusive language goes beyond simply choosing the right words—it’s about creating a culture of respect, belonging, and empowerment. For us, one of the most meaningful ways we embody this is by valuing and endorsing the use of the Rhodopean dialect of the Bulgarian language. Many of our volunteers speak this dialect, and it holds significant cultural and personal value for them. Unfortunately, the Rhodopean dialect is often met with prejudice, with some outsiders mocking or dismissing it as “incorrect” or “unpolished.” Such attitudes can alienate individuals, making them feel excluded or undervalued.

We actively work to counter this by celebrating the dialect as a vital part of our organizational identity and communication. We ensure that our projects, materials, and events are inclusive of the Rhodopean dialect and any other variations in accent or speech. By doing so, we create a safe space where everyone feels respected, regardless of how they speak. To us, inclusivity in language is about recognizing the beauty of diversity in expression, fostering acceptance, and breaking down barriers that hinder connection and collaboration. By endorsing the Rhodopean dialect, we send a clear message: no one should be excluded or judged for the way they express themselves. Instead, we celebrate the richness it brings to our work and the sense of pride it inspires in our volunteers and communities.

What steps has your organisation taken to promote inclusivity in communication?

At YIYD, promoting inclusivity in communication is central to how we connect with and empower communities. We believe that inclusive communication starts with breaking down barriers that prevent people from expressing themselves freely and being understood. Here are some of the key steps we’ve taken to ensure inclusivity: We actively encourage our volunteers and community members to speak in their natural dialects, including the Rhodopean dialect of Bulgarian. By normalising and celebrating the use of dialects, we challenge the stereotypes and biases often associated with regional speech patterns. This approach creates an environment where individuals feel proud of their linguistic heritage, rather than pressured to conform to a standard that doesn’t reflect their identity.

We prioritise engaging with elderly members of the community in their preferred style of communication, which often includes using traditional dialects and phrases. These dialogues not only respect and preserve their linguistic and cultural knowledge but also foster intergenerational understanding. Through these efforts, we emphasise that every voice, regardless of age or background, matters in shaping a more inclusive society.
Our events and campaigns are designed with inclusivity in mind.

Whether through multilingual materials, accessible formats, or embracing diverse speech styles in presentations, we ensure that no one feels excluded. We provide training for our team and volunteers to recognise and respect the diversity of speech, accents, and expressions. This helps to create a culture of sensitivity and openness that extends to all our interactions.
We use our platforms to showcase stories and contributions from individuals across different regions, dialects, and generations. By doing so, we highlight the unique perspectives and richness that diversity in language and communication brings to our work. YIYD fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect, ensuring that everyone—regardless of how they speak or where they come from—can participate fully and meaningfully in our initiatives. For us, inclusivity in communication is not just a value; it is a practice that strengthens our communities and makes our mission more impactful.

Can you share an example where language barriers impacted your ability to communicate with your audience?

At YIYD, we’ve seen firsthand how language barriers can create challenges in communication and inclusion. One personal example that stands out is when Rahim, one of our key team members, faced challenges due to language differences in his interactions with our community members. Rahim is originally from a Pomak village in the Smolyan region, where the community primarily speaks Pomak, a dialect influenced by Turkish. When he joined our youth projects in Smolyan, he encountered difficulties in communicating with young people who spoke more standard Bulgarian. Despite his fluency in both languages, the nuances of Pomak, especially in informal settings, were often misunderstood. At times, he would find himself explaining his thoughts multiple times, as some of the expressions he used didn’t translate directly into Bulgarian.

One memorable instance occurred during a community meeting about an environmental project. Rahim was sharing ideas about sustainability with a group of youth from urban areas, but his dialect, rich with cultural references and expressions unique to his village, left some participants confused. They were not used to hearing such expressions, and Rahim noticed that a few of the young people were reluctant to ask for clarification, not wanting to appear uninformed. To address this, Rahim took the initiative to create more inclusive spaces where dialects like his own were embraced. He started incorporating bilingual communication, using both Pomak and Bulgarian terms to make the concepts more accessible. He also organised smaller discussions where young people could ask questions without feeling embarrassed, promoting an open dialogue where everyone’s language was valued. This experience highlighted the importance of inclusivity in language and communication. Rahim’s dedication to bridging the gap helped the community understand that language diversity should not be a barrier but an asset. It reinforced the value of respecting each person’s linguistic background and the role it plays in fostering stronger connections and a more inclusive environment.

By integrating dialects into our communication efforts, we’ve seen a transformation in the way young people from diverse backgrounds interact. For Rahim, this experience reinforced the power of language in creating a shared space where everyone can contribute, regardless of their dialect or accent.

How do you make complex environmental issues accessible to your audience?

At YIYD, we recognise that while we live in the heart of the mountains, many of us have lost a deep, personal connection with nature over time. This disconnection can make understanding and engaging with complex environmental issues feel abstract or overwhelming. To bridge this gap, we use a unique approach that ties modern environmental challenges to the cultural traditions and linguistic heritage of our region.

One of our key strategies is reviving forgotten traditions and words related to nature. By tapping into the rich cultural memory of our communities, we bring environmental concepts closer to people’s everyday lives and identities. 
The Rhodope region has many unique dialectal terms that describe elements of the natural world—specific types of weather, land formations, or traditional ecological practices. By incorporating these words into our environmental campaigns, we make the issues feel more relevant and rooted in local history.
We organize workshops and events that reintroduce traditional ways of living sustainably, such as crafting, foraging, or seasonal rituals tied to the land. These activities create a hands-on connection to the environment while showcasing how our ancestors lived in harmony with nature.
We share stories and folklore that highlight the relationship between people and the natural world. These narratives help audiences understand that caring for the environment isn’t a new or distant idea—it’s something embedded in our heritage.
We explain complex issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, or waste management by using analogies and examples drawn from rural life, farming traditions, or the rhythms of the mountain seasons. This makes scientific concepts feel more approachable and less intimidating.

By connecting modern environmental issues to traditions and language that resonate deeply with our audiences, we make these challenges not only understandable but also personally meaningful. This approach inspires people to view nature not as something separate but as an integral part of their lives and identities, motivating them to take action in ways that honor both their heritage and the planet.

How do you ensure that the voices of marginalised communities are included?

At YIYD, we are deeply committed to amplifying the voices of marginalised communities in the Rhodope region and ensuring they are heard, respected, and not judged in spaces where decisions that affect their lives are made. This is particularly important in places like municipal buildings and state institutions in Smolyan, where such voices are often underrepresented or dismissed due to biases related to dialect, social background, or perceived lack of formal education.

We actively support members of marginalised communities, including youth and elderly individuals from rural villages like Chepintsi, in presenting their concerns and ideas to local authorities. This involves organising meetings and providing guidance to help them articulate their needs confidently and clearly.

For example, we have worked with local residents to voice concerns about inadequate public services in rural areas at municipal council meetings in Smolyan. By accompanying and mentoring them through the process, we help ensure their contributions are taken seriously.
We advocate for a shift in attitudes within institutions to reduce stigma against people who speak in dialects or with distinct accents. Through our campaigns, we highlight the value of linguistic diversity, encouraging officials to focus on the content of what is being said rather than how it is said.
We use storytelling as a tool to connect marginalised voices with decision-makers. For instance, we’ve shared narratives of elderly residents describing the challenges of environmental degradation in the mountains, helping bridge the gap between their lived experiences and policy discussions. These stories have been presented at public forums to humanize the issues and foster empathy among officials.


Education is key to inclusion. We hold workshops on civic engagement, teaching marginalised groups about their rights and how to effectively advocate for change. These workshops emphasize that their voices matter and equip them with the tools to speak confidently in spaces like municipal hearings.

One of our most impactful moments was helping a group of volunteers from a small Rhodope village bring their concerns about waste management and pollution to the Smolyan municipality. These individuals, who initially felt hesitant due to their dialect and rural background, spoke powerfully about their experiences and successfully secured commitments for better waste collection services in their area. By creating opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard in the “highest places,” YIYD ensures that inclusivity is not just a principle but a practice that drives meaningful change in our local context.