Kahire Yunus Emre Enstitüsü Öğrencilerinin Türkçe Öğrenme Sebepleri ve Türkiye Algıları

Abstract

Abstract

Turkish is taught as a foreign language both in our country and abroad. Egypt is one of the countries with high interest in learning Turkish. This research attempts to identify the perceptions of Turkey and the reasons for learning Turkish as a foreign language among trainees at the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo, Egypt. The research population was determined as Cairo, the capital of Egypt, one of the 66 countries with a Yunus Emre Institute in the world. The research sample consisted of 169 native Arabic-speaking trainees of various ages, professions, genders, and educational levels learning Turkish at the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo. A semi-structured questionnaire developed by the researcher to collect the research data was administered to the trainees online using Google Form. To ensure the reliability and content validity of the semi-structured attitude scale used in the study, expert opinions were consulted, and the scale was prepared in two languages (Turkish and Arabic). The study, which used a descriptive survey model, was conducted in the spring of 2023. Data regarding the views of students attending the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo on Turkish language, literature, culture, and art was obtained through twenty-five mixed-use questions. The study revealed statistical data indicating that students learning Turkish at the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo love the Turkish language and Turkey, and appreciate Turkey and Turkish culture. Based on this statistical data, it was concluded that students at the Yunus Emre Institute in Cairo have a positive perception of Turkey, and that the idea of getting a better job is the most important reason for learning Turkish as a foreign language.