Teaching Russian in Turkish universities: modern trends

Abstract

Monitoring the interest in Russian language learning constitutes a significant direction regarding supporting and promoting the Russian language abroad. The relevance of the study is attributed to the scarce amount of contemporary research on the status of Russian in the academic realm of the Republic of Turkey. This study aims to explore the dynamics and trends regarding teaching Russian as a foreign language in undergraduate programmes in Turkey over the last 5 years and identify the primary factors determining the choice of Russian as a major or as an additional skill. Within the scope of this study we have obtained quantitative information regarding Russian undergraduate programme quotas from governmental Internet resources (Council of Higher Education); additionally, evidence was collected via an anonymous questionnaire targeting L1 Turkish L2 Russian learners. The data were analyzed using statistical methods. The obtained results suggest steady and positive dynamics on the state level: the number of quotas for Russian undergraduate programmes in Turkey is gradually increasing; and on the individual level: a genuinely positive attitude towards Russian language and culture is observed among university students. The crucial factors determining the students choices are mainly related to instrumental motivation (job opportunities, etc.), whereas integral motivation also plays considerable importance (interest towards Russian language and culture, etc.). The results of the study may prove useful in developing educational materials and setting new directions in intercultural policies.