Photo By Staff Sgt. Nicole Molignano | Members participate in a Turkish Language and Culture Class at Incirlik Air Base,...... read more read more
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Experiencing a new country comes with its challenges, but a weekly Turkish Language and Culture Class is helping base personnel navigate life in Türkiye with confidence.
The Turkish Language and Culture Class, held every Thursday evening, brings together an average of 8 to 15 participants. Taught by Ezgi Erek, a library technician at Incirlik, the course helps attendees gain a deeper understanding of their host nation’s language and culture.
Open to all U.S. military branches, DoD civilians, and NATO allies stationed at Incirlik, the class has welcomed Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, and international personnel looking to improve their communication skills and cultural awareness.
“My class starts with the basics, conversational Turkish that can help people in everyday situations,” Erek said. “The second half focuses on Turkish traditions, history, food, and travel. The goal is to help them feel more comfortable and make the most of their time here.”
According to Erek, learning even a few simple phrases can noticeably impact daily interactions with the local community.
“When people make an effort to speak Turkish, it shows respect,” she said. “Even a simple greeting in Turkish can open doors and create positive connections with the people here.”
Many participants have shared that learning key phrases and understanding Turkish customs has helped them navigate life off base more easily. The cultural portion of the class also provides greater insight into daily life, social norms, and traditions to help avoid misunderstandings.
“Certain gestures or customs might mean something different here than they do in the U.S.,” Erek said. “Understanding these differences helps people adapt more easily and feel more at home.”
For those considering the class, Erek encourages them to attend, regardless of their prior knowledge of Turkish.
“You don’t need to know anything about Turkish before joining,” she said. “This class is about making life here easier and more enjoyable.”
| Date Taken: | 01.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.11.2025 04:01 |
| Story ID: | 490511 |
| Location: | INCIRLIK AIR BASE, ADANA, TR |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Learning the Language: Turkish class connects members with Türkiye, by SSgt Nicole Molignano, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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