Turkish Language Teaching in the US: Challenges, Opportunities, Sense of Belonging and Identities

Abstract

This article discusses the status of Turkish language programs in the United States. It investigates three main types of programs which provide opportunities for the teaching and learning of Turkish in the US: (1) programs within the institutions of higher education (IHEs), (2) programs within community organizations, and (3) programs for children of school age. Focusing on the last program type, the article introduces a case study of a community-based school founded and operated by Turkish immigrants. The results of the case study reveal the differences between the first generation adults and the second generation children's language choices and linguistic identities. Overall, the article pinpoints the challenging factors and opportunities for the teaching of Turkish language and culture in the US.