Why learn Turkish language? 10 Reasons To Study Turkish

Learning Turkish can be an enriching experience for various reasons, both practical and personal. Here are some compelling reasons to learn Turkish:

1. Cultural Exploration

Rich History and Culture

Turkey has a long and diverse history, from the ancient civilizations of Anatolia and Byzantium to the powerful Ottoman Empire. Learning Turkish allows you to dive deeper into Turkey’s cultural heritage, literature, and historical significance.

Access to Turkish Literature and Poetry

Turkish has a rich literary tradition with famous poets like Yunus Emre and Nazım Hikmet. Understanding Turkish opens up access to these works in their original form, along with modern Turkish literature and cinema.

2. Travel and Tourism

Explore Turkey More Deeply

Turkey is a popular travel destination, with stunning locations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Antalya. Knowing Turkish allows you to navigate the country more easily, engage with locals, and discover hidden gems off the beaten tourist path.

Enhanced Communication

While many Turks in tourist areas speak English, knowing Turkish enables more meaningful interactions, especially in rural or less touristy areas, enriching your travel experience.

3. Business Opportunities

Growing Economy

Turkey has a growing and dynamic economy, with industries ranging from tourism and textiles to technology and construction. Learning Turkish can be an advantage if you’re doing business in Turkey or with Turkish companies.

Trade and Export

Turkey's location between Europe and Asia makes it a key hub for international trade. Understanding the language can enhance opportunities for partnerships and business ventures with Turkish firms.

4. Connection to a Major Global Diaspora

Turkish-Speaking Communities Worldwide

There are significant Turkish-speaking populations in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria, as well as Turkish diaspora communities in the U.S. and Canada. Learning Turkish can help you connect with these communities on a deeper level.

Turkic Language Family

Turkish is part of the larger Turkic language family, spoken in countries like Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Learning Turkish can serve as a gateway to understanding these related languages.

5. Access to Turkish Media

Turkish TV Series and Movies

Turkish TV series (called "dizi") and movies have become hugely popular internationally. Shows like "Diriliş: Ertuğrul", "Kara Sevda", and "Muhteşem Yüzyıl" have large global audiences. Learning Turkish allows you to enjoy these shows in their original language without relying on subtitles.

Turkish Music

Turkey has a vibrant music scene, blending traditional sounds with modern influences. By learning Turkish, you can appreciate the nuances of Turkish songs, from folk music to pop and rap.

6. Cognitive and Linguistic Benefits

Challenging and Rewarding

Turkish is different from Indo-European languages like English, Spanish, or French. Its unique grammatical structures, such as "vowel harmony" and "agglutination", provide a fun challenge for language learners and help sharpen cognitive skills like problem-solving and memory.

Boost Language Learning Skills

If you’re interested in learning other languages in the future, especially other Turkic languages, Turkish can serve as a strong foundation due to its shared grammar and vocabulary with these languages.

7. Bridge Between Cultures

East and West Connection

Turkey’s unique position between Europe and Asia makes Turkish a bridge language that connects both Western and Eastern cultures. Learning Turkish can help you better understand the cultural dynamics between these regions.

Historical Influence

Turkey’s history is intertwined with many civilizations, including the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman Empires. Learning Turkish gives you a deeper appreciation of how these historical influences have shaped modern Turkey and its neighbors.

8. Opportunities for Study and Work in Turkey

Study in Turkey

Many universities in Turkey offer world-class education, and some programs are even taught in English. Learning Turkish would give you the flexibility to study in Turkish and interact with local students more easily.

Work Opportunities in Turkey

If you’re interested in working in Turkey or with Turkish companies, knowing the language will open more doors, especially in sectors like tourism, trade, education, and diplomacy.

9. Diplomatic and Geopolitical Importance

Strategic Location

Turkey plays a significant role in global geopolitics, given its location between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Learning Turkish can be useful for those involved in international relations, diplomacy, and global affairs.

Influence in the Middle East and Central Asia

Turkey’s influence extends beyond its borders, especially in the Turkic-speaking countries of Central Asia, making Turkish a valuable language for anyone interested in regional diplomacy or international trade in these areas.

10. Unique Grammar and Language Features

No Gendered Nouns

Turkish doesn’t have gendered nouns or articles, which can simplify certain aspects of learning the language.

Logical Structure

While Turkish may seem difficult at first due to its agglutinative nature (using suffixes to modify meaning), it follows highly regular and logical rules once you grasp the basics. This makes Turkish easier to master over time compared to languages with many irregularities.

Learning Turkish can be a rewarding journey, offering access to a rich cultural and historical heritage, practical advantages for travel and business, and opportunities to engage with a vibrant global community. Whether for personal interest, professional goals, or academic pursuits, Turkish opens the door to a deeper understanding of a unique part of the world.

Thank you very much for your interest and visiting Dem Turkish Center bookstore. We hope our Turkish language courses and lessons will be very helpful for your Turkish studies.