What to Know Before You Start Learning Turkish

Turkey is attracting attention not only for its historical and cultural riches but also for its educational opportunities. For international students looking to study abroad, Turkey is becoming an attractive option with its quality universities and affordable cost of living. In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide for young people considering studying in Turkey.

Set Your Goals Before You Start Learning Turkish

Before you decide to learn Turkish, it’s important to determine what you aim to achieve with the language. Clarifying your goals will make your learning process more efficient. For example:

• Academic Goals: If you want to pursue a university education in Turkey, you may need to have a certain level of Turkish proficiency.
• Career Goals: If you plan to work in a Turkish-speaking country, it’s important to improve your language skills to be effective in job interviews.
• Cultural Goals: To better understand Turkish culture and integrate into social life, language learning will be beneficial.

You can also benefit from our article on The Importance and Advantages of Learning Turkish in Turkey for more on this topic.

Turkish Learning Strategies Based on Your Learning Style

Everyone has a different learning style. It’s important to discover which method is most effective for you when learning Turkish. Here are some learning strategies:

For Visual Learners:

• If you learn better by reading texts,
• looking at pictures and graphics,
• or watching films or videos…

What Can You Do?
Read Turkish books, watch Turkish films/series, create flashcards, or follow visual Turkish content pages on social media.

2. For Auditory Learners

• Listening to songs,
• following podcasts or radio programs,
• or repeating words aloud might be for you.

What Can You Do?
Listen to Turkish songs, subscribe to podcasts, and frequently do listening exercises on language learning apps.

3. For Kinesthetic (Hands-On) Learners

• If you can’t learn without practicing,
• speaking and trying,
• or communicating with people…

What Can You Do?
Join Turkish conversation clubs, chat or speak with native Turkish speakers on language exchange apps like Tandem and HelloTalk, travel to Turkey, or enroll in online language courses.

Turkish Language Courses and Online Resources: Where to Start?

There are various resources and courses available to start learning Turkish. Here are some suggestions:

• Language Schools: Many language schools in Turkey offer Turkish courses specifically for international students. These schools often work with experienced instructors.
• Online Courses: Platforms like Duolingo offer an interactive and fun way to learn Turkish.
• YouTube: There are many free videos and lessons for learning Turkish. These resources are ideal for improving your listening skills.

Cultural Elements to Be Aware of While Learning Turkish

While learning Turkish, it’s also important to understand Turkish culture. Cultural elements have a significant impact on how the language is used. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Formality and Forms of Address: Pay attention to the “sen” (informal you) vs. “siz” (formal you) distinction. Using “siz” with older people or in formal relationships expresses respect. Address people you’ve just met with their first name followed by “Bey” for men or “Hanım” for women (e.g., Ahmet Bey, Ayşe Hanım).

Food and Hospitality: In Turkish culture, offers of food and drink are generally not refused. It is polite to accept when offered tea, coffee, or a meal. If you are invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift (like dessert or flowers) is well-received.

Body Language and Gestures: A firm and friendly handshake is common. Holding someone’s hand with both of yours expresses a more sincere emotion. Waving to say hello is a very casual and friendly form of greeting and is often used among friends and peers.

Ways to Stay Motivated During the Turkish Learning Process

The language learning process can be challenging at times. Here are some methods to keep your motivation high:

• Set Goals: Learning Turkish is a long journey. On this path, set small, achievable goals like “Learn 5 new words every day” or “Watch one Turkish series a week.” This way, you’ll feel motivated by a sense of “I’m succeeding!” every time you reach a goal. Big goals can sometimes feel daunting, but small steps will keep you engaged.
• Practice with Friends: Learning alone can be difficult. Find friends who are on the same journey! You can practice speaking Turkish together, ask each other questions, and even organize friendly competitions. This is both fun and provides those “Oh, so that’s how you say it!” moments. Learning together is more enjoyable than learning alone!
• Reward Yourself: The human brain loves rewards! Set small rewards for yourself, like “I learned 10 words today, so I’ll listen to some music and have a cup of tea,” or “I’ve studied regularly for a month, so I can buy myself a new book.” This sends a message to your brain that “I’m being rewarded for my work,” which will make you more enthusiastic.

Discover Turkish!

Learning Turkish isn’t just about discovering a new language; it’s also about getting to know a warm, hospitable, and deeply-rooted culture. On this journey, alongside grammar rules and vocabulary lists, you will also learn the language of a smile, the sincerity of an offered tea, and the warmth of a “hoşgeldin” (welcome). Turkish will be the key to a country that opens its doors to you. You might struggle at times, and maybe the pronunciations will make you laugh… But remember: every “Merhaba” (Hello) means a new friend, and every word learned means a whole new world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Turkish a difficult language?

Since the alphabet is Latin-based, learning to read and write is easy. The grammar rules are systematic, but because Turkish is an agglutinative (suffix-adding) language, practice is important.

How long does it take to learn Turkish?

This depends on the individual’s pace of study and frequency of practice. With diligent effort, a basic level (A1-A2) can be achieved in 3-6 months, and an intermediate level (B1-B2) can be reached in 1-1.5 years.

What are the most important words/phrases to learn in Turkish?

• Daily greetings: Merhaba, Günaydın, Nasılsın? (Hello, Good morning, How are you?)
• Polite expressions: Teşekkür ederim, Lütfen, Özür dilerim (Thank you, Please, I’m sorry)
• Question phrases: Bu ne? Nerede? Ne kadar? (What is this? Where? How much?)

Where should I start with learning Turkish?

You should start with the alphabet, basic greeting patterns, and simple verbs used in daily conversations.

What are the most effective methods for practicing?

• Watching Turkish series and YouTube videos,
• Listening to Turkish songs and trying to understand the lyrics,
• Practicing speaking with native Turkish speakers