Job Discussion Forums

[vre]

I'd like your ideas.

For example, someone said here once that carrying a pocket (Turkish - English) dictionary around is useful to look up words as you go and I think it is very useful and enjoyable to check words you notice as you go around on your daily travels.

Any USEFUL suggestions?

[dmb]

Carry around alıttle vocab book, so when you hear new idioms or vocab you can write them down. BTW a useful translating site is www.zargan.com

[ImanH]

There are the more obvious tactics, such as reading the Turkish subtitles of films or other programmes on TV.
And it might sound daft but I actually learnt a substantial part of my, admittedly limited, Turkish vocabulary by reading road signs and advertising boards. I think because one sees the same things so regularly the words seem to become engrained.
Mind you, there is only so much use for words like cikis and giris.

[Faustino]

I often read the news at http://www.bbc.co.uk/turkish/ . The texts aren't simplified but they are quite short and manageable, especially as you can find the story in English on the site to familiarise yourself.

[the pusherman]

I learnt a lot of Turkish watching football on Turkish TV. They always use the same terms, so you can pick them up fairly quickly. Of course, this does then mean that you have to talk about football all the time (not generally a problem in Turkey).
Alternatively, the subtitles on cnbc-e are quite useful (though not always correct, especially for some reason when it comes to numbers). I've watched films before with a notebook to hand, writing down some of the more useful expressions (worth checking with a Turk on the usage of these, though).
The main thing is to pay attention to the words/expressions people use in particular situations (answering the phone, getting off the dolmus, ordering food in a restaurant). Once you've noticed something it's only a few short stages until you find yourself using it.

[Baba Alex]

I find that memorising sentences/grammar structures, then trying to use them as much as possible substituting vocab apropriately, is helping me.

ie. Okadar buyuk değlsin (You're not so big, pıcked up from Malcom in the Middle) - then

Okadar pahalı değl (not so expensive) etc.

Excuse the spelling though.

[whynotme]

what tips do you give to your students?

do the same....and will help you to understand them....empathy

[31]

[quote="the pusherman"]I learnt a lot of Turkish watching football on Turkish TV. They always use the same terms, so you can pick them up fairly quickly. Of course, this does then mean that you have to talk about football all the time (not generally a problem in Turkey).
Alternatively, the subtitles on cnbc-e are quite useful (though not always correct)/quote]

I was watching a film and they translated ''time sharing condominium'' as ''prezervatif.'' By the way Pusherman that`s rubber johnny.

[whynotme]

watch "Sadettin Teksoy"...if he is still alive.

[ghost]

The best way is to get a partner who speaks little or no English.

Chances of finding the above are practically nil, since most of you move in circles which involve Turks who already know some English.

Joining a Turkish sports club is another way of improving your Turkish skills. You will be mixing with Turks who are not necessarily students of the English language, and the communication with them in Turkish will do wonders.

Look at some of the foreigners who play in the Turikish Super League. Some of them - speak and communicate quite well in Turkish. A few years ago, there was a Nigerian player (forget the name) who became so proficient in Turkish language, that he co-hosted a Turkish t.v. variety show!

Keep in mind that the mind stores information more readily and for a longer time when it is spoken and used.

All those little (almost scripted) conversations you have with the more humble members of Turkish society (school gate keepers, canteen workers, shop assistants, restaurant workers etc....) will also pay big rewards in the long run....but it is up to you to participate actively in the conversations....and even if you make mistakes...the average Turk will marvel at a yabanci being able to babble just a few words in Turkish..

Watch the news and those talk shows in Turkish, and let your ear get used to it. Even though you might understand little, a lot of the words will rub off on you, and you will often get the gist of what is being said.

It is a question of motivation....and if you want to you can. Turkish is much easier to acquire in comparison with Arabic, for example.

[dmb]

[almuze]

When I was here before there was a little book called "teach yourself turkish" that was pretty cheap, and had little excersises and grammar explanations, that was pretty helpful.

[whynotme]

[31]

[quote="ghost"]The best way is to get a partner who speaks little or no English.

Chances of finding the above are practically nil, since most of you move in circles which involve Turks who already know some English.

Not true Ghost. At English Time it is quite easy to meet women who speak little or no English as we have so many elementary students.

[ImanH]

I recently found this site which I've started to use to help me with my Turkish. I'm not sure yet how good it is but it's free to register.
http://turkce.ichb.ro/index.php