How to Learn the Turkish Language
Getting ready for a trip to Turkey? Before you go to a foreign destination it's great to learn some of the language. It makes it easier to ask questions, get directions and generally be a friendly traveler. Depending on the place you live, it may be hard to find a class or even a language-exchange partner. So take advantage of the resources you have at hand: online, audio and written guides to learning Turkish.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Berlitz Turkish Phrase Book & Dictionary (Berlitz, 2008) Internet Turkish lessons on CDs Turkish classes
Instructions
-
Turkish for Beginners
-
1
Study how to pronounce Turkish consonants and vowels. Online pronunciation guides offer simple examples--for example, you say the Turkish "e" like the "e" in the word pet.
-
2
Learn basic phrases and expressions, such as "hello," "how are you?" and "what's your name?" You can find all kinds of daily expressions on free websites such as Omniglot.com. Phrase books are also helpful―for instance, Berlitz Turkish Phrase Book & Dictionary.
-
-
3
Buy an online program that teaches you to speak Turkish. Websites such as VerbalPlanet.com offer interactive sessions with native Turkish speakers.
-
4
Use CDs to learn the language. With a program such as Pimsleur, you can learn basic or conversational Turkish; with the CDs you can always go back and review the parts you've forgotten.
-
5
Take a class in beginning Turkish at a local college, or look for a native Turkish speaker as a language-exchange partner. The bigger your city, the more chance you'll find these opportunities.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Set some ground rules if you engage in a language exchange. For instance, speak only English the first half hour and then switch to Turkish for the second half.
