Just wondering about buying a phrase book before we go.
I'm going to learn the basic hellos/thank-yous etc as a courtesy but is that enough?
Do most Turks speak enough English to ease the communication problem?
Will I need a phrase book?
19 Posts
Hi all,
Just wondering about buying a phrase book before we go.
I'm going to learn the basic hellos/thank-yous etc as a courtesy but is that enough?
Do most Turks speak enough English to ease the communication problem?
Just wondering about buying a phrase book before we go.
I'm going to learn the basic hellos/thank-yous etc as a courtesy but is that enough?
Do most Turks speak enough English to ease the communication problem?
You won't NEED a phrase book although there is nothing wrong with learning a few basics before you go but the Turkish people are always happy to teach you a few phrases if you ask.
In the tourist resorts you can get by with no Turkish at all as all the restaurant/bar staff etc. will speak English or have colleagues who do and the menus etc will also be in English and other languages.
We've been to Turkey a few times and have picked up quite a few basic phrases but we've found that often they will reply to you in English even if you speak to them in Turkish!
In the tourist resorts you can get by with no Turkish at all as all the restaurant/bar staff etc. will speak English or have colleagues who do and the menus etc will also be in English and other languages.
We've been to Turkey a few times and have picked up quite a few basic phrases but we've found that often they will reply to you in English even if you speak to them in Turkish!
It's true you don't need a phrase book but we always have one with us 'cos it's fun to try and learn the language. It's not easy mind - we've bought a house over there and are determined to learn more Turkish to use at the local market, etc. We do keep practising - you should see us walking round Tescos trying to name things in Turkish!!
most turkish people speak english as a second language and are taught at school the only exceptions are out in the sticks don't worry
its still nice to be able to have a go they are grateful for you trying
its still nice to be able to have a go they are grateful for you trying
You certainly don't need to speak any Turkish but it is always nice to be able to say and understand a few things. I actually know quite a bit of Turkish but I don't really speak it, firstly because my husband does all the Turkish speaking but also because I don't think I am very good! When I do have a go though people do understand and they like it when you try to speak their language.
So take that phrase book and have a go
Kedi
So take that phrase book and have a go
Kedi
Get your phrase book toastedmallow and have a go. Turks just love it when you try. I think it's good manners to try to communicate in the language of whatever country you are in. When I first started to learn I decided on one or two phrases a day and went round markets and shops using those phrases over and over again. By the end of your two weeks you'll know quite a bit. Try and get a bit of banter going - you know - good morning, welcome, I'm pleased to be here, how are you etc. You'll be able to use that in every shop. Turks are very polite and will always go through that routine. If you get hooked like I did you will need to be taught the grammar, I went to evening classes for 4 years. Basic Turkish is actually quite straighforward once you know the rules.
OK I'm on my way to the book shop!
As you say ---------it's more fun & probably be appreciated even if my pronunciation is
!!
Thanks all!
As you say ---------it's more fun & probably be appreciated even if my pronunciation is
!!Thanks all!
Plenty of sites on the net where you can print off usual sayings and such without buying a phrase book just google ,better not to try and start with anything to complicated ,start with greetings ,the turkiish people love to see you making the effort .
Bluepeterno1
Bluepeterno1
We've just come back & found that lots of the leaflets for restaurants that you get bombarded with have basic phrases on them. Hide one in the book you read at the pool, and impress the waiters when you order your drink in Turkish
I've used a basic phrase book in the past but like the others have said - most of the Turkish people will speak excellent English.
Actually I should buy a new phrase book as I'd like to learn a bit more than hello, goodbye, can I have and where are the toilets. Any recommendations?
Actually I should buy a new phrase book as I'd like to learn a bit more than hello, goodbye, can I have and where are the toilets. Any recommendations?
Teach Yourself Turkish is a great book for when you get past the phrasebook stage, and want to get to grips with the basic grammar and expand your Turkish vocabulary.
Elaine
Elaine
Fabulous, thanks Elaine
tea sugar ad didum means thanks you thats how you said it not how its spelt, also mehaba means hello said like ma-hab-a stef going 30th july
hi all here is a site full of turkish words http://www.turkish-property-world.com when your on just click on search property at top of page then scroll down on your left you will see learn turkish click on that and you will see loads you can learn . have a goodin 5wks to go 
Don't forget BYKI website Here who have a good selection of Turkish (and 63 other languages) flash cards exercises with sound. This makes learning the basic words much easier and it is free. Give it a go before your trip. Several members of this site have found it very useful.
You needn't Turkish in resorts. maybe in istanbul. But don't wory.
Also I want to ask something about sound of Turkish langueage.
Turkish's sound is like persian ? russian ? japan? italian ? german ? spanian ?
one which ?
I m a Turk ,I don't know and I want to learn that.
Also I want to ask something about sound of Turkish langueage.
Turkish's sound is like persian ? russian ? japan? italian ? german ? spanian ?
one which ?
I m a Turk ,I don't know and I want to learn that.
Turkish sounds similar to Arabic to me (I'm English)
It's a difficult question Istanbul29. I speak a little French and German and it doesn't sound like either of those although there are a few words that sound French. I had Turkish lessons for about 4 years and found it very difficult to learn. In my class there were some very clever linguists who spoke several languages including Arabic. They said they found it easier because they knew Arabic. I think Turkish is a very beautiful language with a lovely rhythm and I love some of the expressions that you use. I know most people in resorts speak English but it's really good fun to have a go and the Turkish people in the resorts just love it when we do.
Hi haymans;
I went to Dubai 5 years ago and I asked the same question to arabs , they said me that Turkish sounds similar to spanish+italian to us because it s very fast.
There are some arabic words in turkish language.
and JMK;
You are righ Turkish is difficult for you because Turkish in Altaic Language Family.
its very diffrent systematic. Turkish is like Magyar language (hungarian) and Fin and Japan.
They are in the same language family.
Turkish language is 2 parts. West of Caspian sea and east of Caspian sea.
if you can speak in turkish (turkish in turkey) at the same time you can speak with azerbaijanis and %50 of iran.
I went to Dubai 5 years ago and I asked the same question to arabs , they said me that Turkish sounds similar to spanish+italian to us because it s very fast.
There are some arabic words in turkish language.
and JMK;
You are righ Turkish is difficult for you because Turkish in Altaic Language Family.
its very diffrent systematic. Turkish is like Magyar language (hungarian) and Fin and Japan.
They are in the same language family.
Turkish language is 2 parts. West of Caspian sea and east of Caspian sea.
if you can speak in turkish (turkish in turkey) at the same time you can speak with azerbaijanis and %50 of iran.
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