Türkiye’de Yaşayan Suriyelilerin Türkçe Kullanımlarına Yönelik Görüşleri: Adana Örneği

Abstract

The aim of the study is to determine the Turkish usage of adult Syrian refugees residing in Turkey. In this context, the language needs of Syrians under temporary protection in Turkey, living in the city center and not studying at any educational institution, were examined, their language needs were determined and contents of language courses attended and refugees’ language needs were compared. Based on these results obtained, suggestions were made about teaching Turkish to Syrian refugees. The data for this study were obtained through interviews with 15 adult Syrian refugees who have not attended a Turkish language course at all and 15 adult Syrian refugees who have attended a Turkish course for non-educational purposes. The interview records were deciphered and a content analysis based on the theme was made. The findings that emerged as a result of the analysis were presented in a way that would reveal the answers to the research problems. The following results were reached within the scope of the research: There was no significant relationship between the Syrian refugees’ duration of stay in Turkey and their Turkish language proficiency level. The language skill levels acquired by the refuges who did not attend the course can be explained by their exposure to the target language and their communication with Turks. Participants who has attended a language a course have a certain level of proficiency in each language skill. The participants in both groups experience the problem mostly in the hospital environment due to their lack of language skills. The most common answer given by the participants in both groups is that the content of the Turkish course should focus on speaking skills and meeting their daily needs for participation in social life. The reasons why the participants could not attend the Turkish language course were determined as financial problems, lack of knowledge about the course, housework, child care and age limit. Among the participants who have attended a language course, those who gave negative opinions stated that the course content was simple according to their language level and did not meet their language needs. Among the participants who have attended a language course, those who remarked positive opinions stated that they achieved their language level thanks to the course, and they suggested the fact that literacy education is given and official Turkish language is taught in Turkish language courses is something positive. In both groups, the most used language skills in social life were listening and speaking, while the least used language skills were writing and reading. Participants in both groups stated that they would like to learn Turkish language if the conditions were met. It is thought that the results of the study investigating the language use of Syrian refugees living in Turkey will contribute to the language policies to be organized for refugees, the development of Turkish course contents and materials, and the organization of the learning environment.