When Greeks learn Turkish: developing intercultural competence through learning the language of the ‘enemy’

ABSTRACT Learning a foreign language is not only an interesting cognitive process. It is also a means of communication with other peoples and becoming acquainted with their cultures. Therefore, learning a foreign language can contribute to the development of intercultural competence, i.e. the competence to manage new communication conditions and situations. In this context, Turkish language learning by Greek citizens may act as a means to transform negative stereotypes and prejudices against Turkish people, which predominate in a large segment of the Greek population. This article presents qualitative research findings of twenty Greek adult citizens’ transformation of perceptions, subsequent to their attending Turkish language courses. The research established that the majority of the participants acknowledged Turkish language learning and acquisition as a contribution to the development of intercultural communication, to a better acquaintance with Turkish people and the transformation of former negative perceptions of Turkish people and culture.