I am finding learning this foreign language to be tedious and I'm doubting that it is worth the trouble. So, to encourage myself along this line, I'm going to share some thoughts on why this is a worthwhile endeavor.
The sole reason I am studying Turkish above all other languages is so I can help Dilara learn some so she can speak with her Turkish grandparents. I had a year of Latin in High School and some instruction and practice in German and it might be nice to develop those further, but the most practical language of all may be Spanish. Turkish seems to be quite obscure. Here is a link to an article I read that sings the praises of the Turkish language: http://www.ic.arizona.edu/ic/babur/whyturkish.htm but I remain unenthusiastic.
I do think it is important for everyone to continue to learn and stimulate their mind/brain throughout their lives. It is especially important for people who don't work outside the home, I think, to have an "outside" interest to work on so life seems less narrow. I'd love to take a class in some subject, but my schedule doesn't allow it. The last thing I worked really hard on was Real Estate business training. Taking online classes at my convenience does work well for me. I am sure there are numerous online couses one can take in every subject imaginable.
I really had envisioned all of my children learning at a young age at least the basics of some foreign language and also some musical instrument. I have some Spanish and some French learning resources that I'll probably encourage Dilara to take advantage of later, but I feel a need to focus on Turkish right now. Benefits of being bilingual: http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3651.
Resources I am using are www.livemocha.com (Turkish lessons are free!), Foreign Language Institute materials (like what I studied before the Army sent my husband and I to Germany), Pimsleur's Turkish cds (great for the car, and it is an entirely audio course, but I only bought the introduction--5 disks), and I just discovered a Learn Turkish Channel on youtube.com which looks like it will be helpful.
I am telling my kids that I know what they are going through...study and learning new things is HARD. I think I am setting a good example for them by continuing to learn as I age. Being a lifelong learner is a good thing.
I need to be persistent in this and not quit just because it is hard. It will really enrich Dilara's life, I think. Someday, I am sure she will visit Turkey, and I expect that she will make many visits during her life. She'll thank me someday, for giving her an early start and encouraging her in the language.
The sole reason I am studying Turkish above all other languages is so I can help Dilara learn some so she can speak with her Turkish grandparents. I had a year of Latin in High School and some instruction and practice in German and it might be nice to develop those further, but the most practical language of all may be Spanish. Turkish seems to be quite obscure. Here is a link to an article I read that sings the praises of the Turkish language: http://www.ic.arizona.edu/ic/babur/whyturkish.htm but I remain unenthusiastic.
I do think it is important for everyone to continue to learn and stimulate their mind/brain throughout their lives. It is especially important for people who don't work outside the home, I think, to have an "outside" interest to work on so life seems less narrow. I'd love to take a class in some subject, but my schedule doesn't allow it. The last thing I worked really hard on was Real Estate business training. Taking online classes at my convenience does work well for me. I am sure there are numerous online couses one can take in every subject imaginable.
I really had envisioned all of my children learning at a young age at least the basics of some foreign language and also some musical instrument. I have some Spanish and some French learning resources that I'll probably encourage Dilara to take advantage of later, but I feel a need to focus on Turkish right now. Benefits of being bilingual: http://www.actfl.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3651.
Resources I am using are www.livemocha.com (Turkish lessons are free!), Foreign Language Institute materials (like what I studied before the Army sent my husband and I to Germany), Pimsleur's Turkish cds (great for the car, and it is an entirely audio course, but I only bought the introduction--5 disks), and I just discovered a Learn Turkish Channel on youtube.com which looks like it will be helpful.
I am telling my kids that I know what they are going through...study and learning new things is HARD. I think I am setting a good example for them by continuing to learn as I age. Being a lifelong learner is a good thing.
I need to be persistent in this and not quit just because it is hard. It will really enrich Dilara's life, I think. Someday, I am sure she will visit Turkey, and I expect that she will make many visits during her life. She'll thank me someday, for giving her an early start and encouraging her in the language.
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