a mother's musings
  • A Mother's Musings
  • Turkish American Homeschooling Blog
  • Kitchen stuff
  • My favorite things/links
  • Kid stuff
  • Forum
  • Weigh Loss Journey
  • Untitled
  • Garden/Outdoor Play and Learning
  • FIGS

Why I'm learning Turkish

2/7/2011

1 Comment

 
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. 

1 Comment
Lydia
2/7/2011 10:24:05 am

"the Older Language Learner" http://www.ntlf.com/html/lib/bib/87-9dig.htm "Adults can be retrained to learn second languages more easily"http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050615060545.htm "how to learn a second language" says once you learn one, it makes it easier to learn others. http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/27/learn-second-language-lifestyle-travel-study_2.html Yes, I am being held back by the "emotional" factor (I can't do this) and embarasment factor http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/276049/adult_foreign_language_learners_are_pg2.html?cat=12

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Lydia, single mom of 3

    Archives

    January 2016
    June 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    August 2013
    July 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    February 2013
    December 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    August 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011

    Categories

    All
    Abortion
    Add/adhd
    Aging
    Breastfeeding
    Children And Divorce
    Divorce
    Emotions
    Family
    Fibromyalgia
    Freedoms
    Gardasil
    Goals
    Hpv
    Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW7cO01SpzI
    Kissing And Hpv
    Medication
    Narcissism
    No-fault Divorce
    Oral Cancer
    Pollyana
    Pro-choice
    Pro-life
    Protecting Our Kids
    Rights
    School Trips
    Sex
    Single Parents
    Thankfulness
    Unplanned Pregnancy
    Vacations
    Weaning
    Weight Loss

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.