The Potential Advantage of Bilingualism for Turkey

"Bilingualism and Education in Turkey: Steps to be taken for Sustainable Solutions" was the title of a meeting organized by the Initiative for Reforms in Education (ERG). It was emphasized that bilingualism in Turkey could be turned into an advantage for the country. The meeting also left room for the discussion of necessary short- and intermediate-term measures.

The meeting was held at the Sabancı University Communications Centre in Karaköy on the banks of Istanbul's Golden Horn on 8 December. The need for an extensive preparation for bilingual education was stressed. This, according to the initiative, means first of all to prepare a multi-cultural structure in society and education at schools.

"Integrative policies are crucial for a change of perception"

Batuhan Aydagül has worked on this area for the past two and a half years on behalf of the ERG. He explained, "Integrative policies are crucial for improving the perception in Turkey. Not only the language used in education has to be changed, but also the contents. If you do not change the contents of the history book but only the language, the message that is conveyed remains the same".

ERG Director Prof. Üstün Ergüder pointed out that having reached the state of discussing educational demands was a very important development in itself. "Before, these demands were ignored. The polarization in the public discussion sparks concern. We hope to be able to overcome discussions that lack a rational dialogue", he said.

Solution will show benefits for children

Ergüder indicated that the complications in the concepts of "Education in the mother tongue", "Education of the mother tongue" and "Official language" were rather eye-catching. A solution should consider the reasons why children would benefit from bilingual education and a process of rational dialogue should be initiated, he highlighted.

ERG project expert Işık Tüzün referred to a change in the perception of language and continued, "The value coming with a language in society might change for the better. Reserves on agreements should be removed, national legislation should be amended and research should be started as soon as possible", he claimed.

Tüzün mentioned the report on "Bilingualism and Education" prepared by Dr. Müge Ceylan and Dilara Koçbaş and said that also within the family there might be different attitudes or false perceptions regarding languages and that the reasons for that should be determined.

Prof Tosun Terzioğlu from Sabancı University pointed out, "According to the report, bilingual education in any form is more successful than education in only one language. The pressure exposed to languages must be entirely lifted and all languages existing in Anatolia should be researched at university".

"Let's be ready when the right will be granted"

Co-author of the report Ceyhan indicated, "It is inevitable to grant this right today or tomorrow. It is very important to prepare a base in order to be ready". (EÇ/VK)