Why Serbian Uses Two Alphabets—And How to Read Them
One language, two alphabets? That’s right Serbian is one of the few languages in the world that uses both Cyrillic and Latin scripts. For children learning Serbian, this might sound tricky at first, but with fun tools and a little practice, they can become confident readers in both!
What’s the Difference Between Cyrillic and Latin?
The Cyrillic alphabet is used in official documents and often in schools in Serbia. It looks different from English letters, but many sounds are the same. The Latin alphabet, which looks more familiar to English readers, is also widely used especially online, in books, and everyday writing.
Here are a few matching letters:
- Cyrillic: Б, В, Г
- Latin: B, V, G
Both scripts represent the same language. The words sound the same they’re just written differently!
How Kids Can Learn Both
Children aged 2–14 can start by recognizing how letters match up in each script. Using pictures, flashcards, and sound games helps reinforce connections.
Programs like Dinolingo’s Serbian lessons use audio, images, and interactive games to help children build confidence with reading and pronunciation. Kids will naturally get used to both scripts by seeing and hearing the words often.
Try These Fun Activities
Alphabet Match Game
Create cards with Cyrillic letters and matching Latin versions. Let kids play memory match to pair them up!
Write It Two Ways
Pick simple Serbian words (like mama, auto, pas) and have kids write them in both alphabets. Decorate each version!
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