The research interest of the Bulgarian MC members is situated in the area of WG2: Developmental aspects of reading. The reason for that is based on the current significant communication issues, such as functional illiteracy, media literacy and digitization.

In contemporary globalized, multi-lingual and highly digitized communication world the phenomenon of functional literacy is becoming very important and challenging. Basic reading and writing skills, especially in technologically driven environment, do not always prove comprehensive and adequate in a knowledge-based society. Functional literacy stresses on the ability to understand and employ information in daily activities at home, at work and in societal life.

Functional illiteracy may become a factor contributing to exclusion and poverty that restricts democratic and social participation and is seriously detrimental to personal fulfilment and the defence of rights. A combination of factors such as individual learning conditions, unfavourable familial socio-cultural and academic conditions, as well as general development trends in the society itself can contribute to functional illiteracy.