Campus

With the developments in information technologies, the Turkish language is being invaded by foreign words

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Turkish Language and Literature Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gürkan Gümüşatam, reminding that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk declared the 26th September 1932 as Language Day, went on to say, “Since 1932, with the devoted efforts of the Turkish Language Association, the Turkish language has been simplified and has become a language of science, culture, and art, and despite all the alienation in the field of informatics, the fact that it is active in every field today is due to the fact that our language has a deep-rooted history and is built on solid foundations”.

Stating that the Turkish language is being invaded by foreign words due to developments in information technologies, Gümüşatam pointed out that all citizens should maintain their language awareness, and in the face of this language alienation, should display the necessary sensitivity towards their mother tongue.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gümüşatam expressed that under the leadership of Atatürk and with the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey, important breakthroughs were made in the areas of Turkish culture and Turkish Language, with Atatürk wanting for Turkish to be examined and developed in every aspect, and for publications to be made in the Turkish language.

Explaining that a new more suitable alphabet for the Turkish language was created, Gümüşatam went on to say, "Reading and writing was learned a lot quicker in the mother tongue and thus, become usable. Informing that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk personally followed the works of the Turkish Language Association, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gümüşatam continued, “In his various speeches, Atatürk emphasized the importance of language within state and social life. It is important for each individual to do their part in this subject. With this duty given to us by Atatürk; It is our duty to learn Turkish and apply it in the best way possible and keep it alive by fulfilling our duty”.

Drawing attention to the fact that if we do not take ownership of our language, we will not be able to protect our homeland, Gümüşatam stated that Atatürk emphasized the bonds between language and culture at every opportunity. To conclude, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gümüşatam shared the words of Atatürk, "The Turkish language is one of the richest languages, as long as this language is cultivated with consciousness. The Turkish nation, who knows how to protect its country and its independence, must also save its language from the effects of foreign languages”.