Exploring Key Developments in FL/ELT Across Eras by suna çiftçi

Before and During the Tanzimat Era

ciftcisuna1193 — 2025-04-02 22:18:14 UTC

English language education in Turkey began in the 1530s during Ottoman-British trade, with minority groups acting as translators. It gained prominence after American-Ottoman relations in 1830, leading to missionary schools. English wasn't taught in public schools until 1908. Major reforms in 1997 and 2012 expanded English education, reflecting its growing importance.

From the Early Republican Period to 1997

ciftcisuna1193 — 2025-04-02 22:21:04 UTC

During the Early Republican Era, Turkey prioritized Turkish in education, adopted the Latin script in 1928, and introduced foreign languages. The 1950s saw rising U.S. influence, strengthening English in schools. Post-World War II ties with the U.S. boosted English education, reflecting Turkey’s political and cultural alignment with the West.

From 1997 to the Present

ciftcisuna1193 — 2025-04-02 22:23:28 UTC

Since 1997, English language education in Turkey has seen major reforms. In 1997, the eight-year compulsory education system introduced English in the fourth grade. The 2012 4+4+4 system extended education to 12 years and lowered the starting age for English to second grade, reflecting Turkey's response to globalization and the increasing demand for English skills.

References

ciftcisuna1193 — 2025-04-02 22:29:21 UTC

Sönmez, G., & Köksal, O. (2022). A critical overview of English language education policy in Turkey. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 11(1), 1-9.

Eskicumalı, A., & Türedi, H. (2010). The rise of English teaching in Turkish curriculum. International Online Journal of Educational Sciences, 2(3), 738-771.