Teaching Turkish to International Students: Kazakh and International Experience

On November 4, 2024, the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, in collaboration with the Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Center (TÖMER) at Ibn Khaldun University, launched a month-long seminar titled «Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language in Kazakhstan: International Experience».

The seminar was conducted online via Zoom until November 22 and transitioned to an offline format on November 25 at the Faculty of Oriental Studies. The program will conclude on November 29 with a final exam, wrapping up the outcomes of the week-long in-person sessions.

Enhancing Professional Expertise

The event saw active participation from professors, graduate students, and doctoral candidates, who gained valuable opportunities to deepen their expertise. The opening ceremony commenced with the national anthems of Kazakhstan and Turkey, followed by student performances dedicated to Turkey's Teachers' Day, featuring songs and presentations that blended educational and cultural elements.

Mirzahan Egamberdiyev, Head of the Department of Turkology and History of Eastern Countries, delivered a keynote address highlighting the seminar's pivotal role in advancing the quality of Turkish language teaching in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that such initiatives not only facilitate the acquisition of effective teaching methodologies but also strengthen cultural and scientific ties between Kazakhstan and Turkey.

Furkan Alptan, Director of the Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching and Research Center at Ibn Khaldun University, commended the seminar’s successful organization and the high professional standards of Kazakhstani educators. He also recognized the advanced Turkish language proficiency demonstrated by students. Alptan detailed the seminar’s comprehensive program, which encompassed theoretical insights and practical skills for teaching Turkish as a foreign language, developing educational resources, implementing evaluation methods, and applying modern technologies in the classroom.

A New Chapter in Cultural and Scientific Collaboration

The seminar served not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also as a significant milestone in fostering cultural and scientific collaboration between Kazakhstan and Turkey. Such initiatives elevate bilateral relations, creating opportunities for joint projects and academic research. Direct engagement among educators and students, coupled with the sharing of experiences and discussions on common educational challenges, is poised to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.

Outcomes and Future Prospects

Participants who successfully completed the seminar were awarded 80-hour qualification certificates. This initiative has opened new pathways for advancing Turkish language teaching in Kazakhstan, enhancing the professional competencies of language educators. Furthermore, it stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared aspirations between the two brotherly nations.

Faculty of Oriental Studies
Department of Turkish Studies and History of Eastern Countries
Leader of the «Young Researcher» club,
Lecturer Kairat Kaipolla