Mail & Guardian

Turkish language course in the heart of Johannesbu­rg

All Yunus Emre Institute activities are based on universal human values

- Marion Smith

When visiting the Yunus Emre Institute and Turkish Cultural Centre, one may participat­e in a variety of cultural activities, national day celebratio­ns and art classes, as well as Turkish language instructio­n from an expert from Türkiye.

Learning about Yunus Emre and how the institute was named after him is fascinatin­g. He was an Anatolian Turkish poet from the 13th and 14th centuries who is most renowned for his representa­tion of human values, love and social peace. This great man not only contribute­d to the developmen­t of Turkish language with his poems, but also used his philosophy, which is based on universal human values, to encourage people to live together in peace and harmony, with common values that entail no discrimina­tion against religion, language or race. One objective set by the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü is to maintain this basic philosophy in all activities and spheres of interest.

The institute has Turkish language courses which have been offered since 2017 in Johannesbu­rg in a peaceful environmen­t, for people who would like to learn Turkish or improve their Turkish language. The programme is scheduled twice a year for two terms by the institute and is taught by a Turkish language teacher.

Each term is 72 hours, or about four months. Classes are held on a weekly

basis from Monday to Friday, and students attend twice a week. Anyone aged 16 years and older can register for the Turkish language course.

The children who attend the kids club are enthusiast­ic as they are taught with age-appropriat­e material and have fun while learning.

There are many advantages in studying Turkish, such as being able to socialise with friends and communicat­e with

businesses in Türkiye. There is also the added benefit of being able to apply to study in Türkiye with a fully funded scholarshi­ps programme. When the Turkish summer school is offered, scholars also have the opportunit­y to apply for this fun and educationa­l sixweek programme.

Online courses, for those who don’t reside in Johannesbu­rg, begin on 4 February 2024. All you need to do is to visit http://turkce.yee.org.tr, click the “online’’ button , complete the applicatio­n form, review your details and begin your course.

Apart from the language courses, the Yunus Emre Institute hosts a variety of activities and events, with the aim of improving the friendship between Türkiye and South Africa. Following social media will keep you updated on these activities.

For more informatio­n visit yeejoburg social media accounts, click on https:// johannesbu­rg.yee.org.tr/en/corporate/ yunus-emre-institute or email johannesbu­rg@yee.org.tr

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 ?? ?? The Yunus Emre Institute in Oaklands, Johannesbu­rg, is named after a famous Turkish poet.
The Yunus Emre Institute in Oaklands, Johannesbu­rg, is named after a famous Turkish poet.

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