Historical Origin of the Turkish Language:
The Turkish language is part of the Altaic language family, which originated in the Altai Mountains of East Asia. Its history dates back 5,000 to 8,000 years, as scholars have differing views on this. Over time, the language has undergone several changes. During the Ottoman Empire, people spoke Ottoman Turkish (Old Turkish), which was a blend of several languages and used the Arabic script. These languages included Old Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, due to the Turks’ conversion to Islam and their interaction with Muslim cultures.
In 1923, after the establishment of modern Turkey, President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk founded the Turkish Language Association. The goal was to purify the language from Arabic and Persian words and to revive as many old Turkish words as possible, replacing the Arabic script with Latin characters.
Today, the Turkish language incorporates elements from:
- Old Turkish
- Some Arabic words
- Persian
- French
- Italian
Importance of Learning Turkish:
Learning Turkish is essential for traveling, studying, living, or working in Turkey. Even for tourists, knowing the local language enhances the experience and helps in better communication. For residents, fluency in Turkish reduces the feeling of isolation and avoids unpleasant situations, as many Turks do not speak English.
Is Learning Turkish Easy or Difficult?
Learning Turkish can be relatively easy, especially for Arabic-speaking students, as many of its vocabulary roots are Arabic. However, mastering new words, phonetic nuances, suffixes, and sentence structure (which is different from Arabic) may present challenges. Most learners find that with a year of dedicated study, they can achieve proficiency in Turkish.
How Can a Student Study Turkish?
1. Learning for Study Purposes: Many academic programs in Turkish universities are conducted in Turkish. Therefore, learning the language before starting university studies is crucial. Practical training (known as “staj” in Turkish) in fields like medicine, pharmacy, and engineering is also conducted in Turkish.
The language proficiency levels are divided into 6 stages:
- A1, A2 (Beginner levels)
- B1, B2 (Intermediate levels)
- C1, C1+ (Advanced levels)
To pass each level, students must pass tests in four areas. Turkish universities often require foreign students to present a C1 level Turkish proficiency certificate for programs taught in Turkish. If a lower level is achieved, students may need to take a language exemption exam organized by the university.
2. Learning for Living and Working: Proficiency in Turkish enhances job prospects and daily interactions in Turkey. It is important for building relationships, understanding the job market, and for freelancing or working with foreign companies in Turkey.
To learn for daily life and work, it is essential to start with the basics from a suitable source and then practice by interacting with Turks. There are numerous free and effective online resources available for learning Turkish.
Additional Tips:
- Set Clear Goals: Determine whether you are learning Turkish for study, work, or personal reasons.
- Practice Regularly: Engage in conversations and use online tools to improve your proficiency.
- Explore Cultural Resources: Understanding Turkish culture can aid in language learning and integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the difficulties of studying in Turkey?
Studying in Turkish universities is not difficult in itself compared to studying in other universities, despite the scientific and methodological progress offered by these universities in the world.
Some Arab students find it difficult to reside in a country other than their country of origin, especially if they do not master the Turkish language and are studying in the preparatory year, so they need some time before integrating into Turkish society.
It is a somewhat difficult issue for a student to live alone and bear full responsibility, but over time students get used to student life and find it an opportunity to build their strong personalities and expand their cultural horizons.
Are certificates issued by Turkish universities recognized?
Yes, the certificates issued by Turkish universities are among the most powerful certificates in the world, and they provide their holders with opportunities to work and complete their studies in all European countries and other countries of the world.
What is the language of study in Turkish universities?
Students can choose the language of study in all private Turkish universities between English and Turkish.
Most Turkish universities offer educational courses to strengthen the English or Turkish language to strengthen the students’ linguistic level if the student’s English or Turkish language is weak.
How much does it cost to study medicine in Türkiye?
The cost of study is one of the most important issues that students care about before taking the step to study at any university. The cost of studying medicine in Turkey varies according to the university in which the student is accepted and according to the language in which he wishes to study, whether it is Turkish or English. However, university fees for medical colleges generally range. Between 16 thousand dollars as in Atlim University in the English language and 25 thousand dollars as in the University of Bahçeşehir in the English language. We also mention, for example:
The university fees for studying medicine at Altinbas University in the English language are about 20 thousand dollars.
The university fees for studying medicine at Istanbul Aydin University in English are about 22 thousand dollars.
The university fees for studying medicine at Astinya University in English are about $21,600.
The university fees for studying medicine at Istanbul Okan University in English are about $20,500.
Is it possible to study in Turkey without a high school diploma?
After the circumstances that the region went through, many students left their country for Turkey without obtaining a high school diploma, or that they had obtained it and could not prove it, so they look with interest to obtain the answer to this question:
But the correct answer, unfortunately, is no. The student wishing to study in Turkey, regardless of his nationality, must first obtain a high school diploma as a translated and certified secondary school certificate is one of the first documents required for admission to all Turkish universities.
