Last Updated on 03/05/2023
How to overcome the language barrier in Turkey is by far one of the most frequent questions that foreigners ask. Obviously, the Turkish language might seem difficult for many foreign nationals. Therefore, we thought in this article to provide you with practical tips to help you overcome the Turkish language obstacle and learn useful information.
Take a professional language Course
One of the best recommendations to overcome the language barrier in Turkey is to enroll in a language course or hire a tutor. Free language assistance is provided to newcomers by some groups in Turkey. The government also offers some free programs for recent immigrants who require help with their language skills. Moreover, the government recommends some language institutions such as TÖMER, DİLMER, and Yunus Emre Institute. In these centers, you can find Turkish language courses for different groups at different levels in line with the demands. Besides, special purposes courses such as for business Turkish, Turkish for kids, translation classes, and Turkish for the press and media, are also organized at these centers in addition to the general Turkish courses.
Movies and music to overcome the language barrier in Turkey
Listening to music and watching local movies with subtitles in your native tongue can be a funny way to overcome the language barrier in Turkey. This gives you free practice and can help you locate words in discussions. Moreover, it allows you to learn the correct pronunciation of Turkish words.
Use Technology
Make use of technology to overcome the language barrier in Turkey. There are several real-time communication tools and language translation apps that you can use. The most widely used, Google Translator, has improved recently. When using the app, people hardly ever encounter inaccurate translations.
Moreover, you can use technological tools to learn the keyphrases. The Pareto Principle, commonly known as the 80/20 rule, states that 20% of causes account for 80% of effects. Therefore, in languages other than English, 20% of the vocabulary represents 80% of everyday communication. Find out how to say hello, goodbye, and please. It also breaks the ice and demonstrates respect.
Leave your Comfort Zone
This is a crucial step in getting through any language hurdles you may encounter. You could wish to stick with a group of individuals who speak the same language or constantly communicate with your friends and family in your native language. Avoid making this error. Include multilingual people in your circle of friends and colleagues. You’ll feel more at ease knowing that you’re not the only one who isn’t fluent in the language as a result. Continue honing your linguistic skills. Remember to be patient and gentle to yourself. You can do this!
Push yourself to your limits to overcome the language barrier
This is a crucial step in getting through any language hurdles you may encounter. You could wish to stick with a group of individuals who speak the same language or constantly communicate with your friends and family in your native language. Avoid making this error. Include multilingual people in your circle of friends and colleagues. You’ll feel more at ease knowing that you’re not the only one who isn’t fluent in the language as a result. Continue honing your linguistic skills. Remember to be patient and gentle to yourself. You can do this!
Don’t be too hard on yourself
It can take time to learn a completely new language, especially as an adult. Remind yourself that you are trying something new and unfamiliar if you start to feel defeated. Your objective is closer with every new word you learn. So keep in mind that the key to overcoming the language barrier in Turkey is to be patient and take the time it takes.
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FAQ
Is language a barrier in Turkey?
Language can be a barrier in Turkey, especially at the beginning. However, you should know that Turkish people are very helpful and you can find English, Arabic, and Russian speakers, especially in big cities like Istanbul and Antalya.
Can I live in Turkey without speaking Turkish?
Yes, it is possible to get by in Turkey without knowing any Turkish. It is possible to get by if you only speak English and use Google Translate to talk with locals if you reside in a popular tourist location. However, only 17% of the population is English-speaking. With a few basic Turkish phrases, ex-pat life in Turkey becomes more doable.
Is language a problem in Turkey?
Yes, language can be a problem in Turkey, particularly for those who do not speak Turkish. Turkish is the official language of Turkey, and while many people in the country do speak other languages, such as Kurdish, Arabic, or Armenian, Turkish remains the dominant language.
Can you survive with English in Turkey?
Yes, it is possible to survive with English in Turkey, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations. English is widely taught as a second language in Turkish schools, and many young people and those working in the tourism industry speak English fluently.
