Description
Learn Modern Turkish with Princeton's Proven Method
Elementary Turkish is a comprehensive grammar and exercise textbook designed for English-speaking students who want to master modern Turkish without expensive private instruction. Used successfully for years at Princeton University, this self-study guide enables learners to understand and use the basic patterns of Turkish spoken by thirty million people.
Structured 23-Lesson Curriculum
Developed by Lewis V. Thomas, late Professor of Oriental Studies at Princeton, this textbook presents a carefully arranged sequence of 23 lessons that build progressively from fundamental concepts to advanced structures. The course begins with the Turkish alphabet and numbers, then advances through articles, adjectives, nouns, common infinitives, and personal pronouns. Later lessons cover more complex topics including possessive construction, past general verbs, postpositions, the partitive, progressive verb forms, and abbreviating verb forms.
Practice-Based Learning Approach
Each lesson concludes with exercises designed to test comprehension and reinforce learning. This method was developed after extensive analysis of classroom results at Princeton University, ensuring effective knowledge retention and practical application. The exercise-based approach allows students to progress at their own pace while building confidence in using Turkish in real situations.
Complete Turkish-English Glossary
The textbook includes a comprehensive Turkish-English glossary that translates all new vocabulary appearing in the exercises. This reference tool supports independent study and eliminates the need for additional dictionaries during the learning process.
Revised and Updated Edition
Norman Itzkowitz, Professor of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, skillfully completed the necessary revisions and additions to Professor Thomas' original work. This updated edition maintains the proven teaching methodology while ensuring accuracy and relevance for modern learners.
Ideal for Self-Study and Classroom Use
Whether you're studying independently or in a classroom setting, Elementary Turkish provides the thorough coverage needed to gain a practical understanding of modern Turkish. The clear, concise explanations make complex grammatical concepts accessible to beginners, while the progressive structure supports steady advancement through increasingly sophisticated material. This textbook is essential for anyone concerned with social, political, and cultural developments in Turkey who needs effective communication skills in this important and influential language.