By Kiahna Sellers
BYU students will experience a taste of Turkey this fall, through a new foreign language course.
Native Turk Murat Cakir, a graduate student in the TESOL program, will teach Turkish 101 for the second time in the fall.
'It''s not just a language class; we learn about the Turkish culture and traditions,' Cakir said.
The course represents BYU''s second glimpse at this Middle Eastern country.
Cakir taught the section for the first time in winter semester; however few students were aware of the opportunity.
Director of the Center for Language Studies Melvin J. Luthy has high expectations for the class.
'We expect it will be an exciting course for those who take it. They''ll get a superb introduction to the language,' Luthy said.
The class uses Internet audio segments, visual aids, ancient artifacts, and other hands-on resources, along with the assigned text.
Jack and Shirley Steinagel finished their mission to Turkey two years ago. They recall struggling with the language.
'It would have really helped us a lot if we had had a class like Murat''s before our mission,' Steinagel said.
The native instructor adds much to the class.
'Murat does a super job. He is a born teacher. He has the hospitality, the warmness, and the personality of a Turk,' Steinagel said.
Cakir envisions the course as a stepping-stone for future missionary work in Turkey.
'My goal is beyond teaching language skills,' Cakir said.
'If I can help people to get excited about Turkey - to teach, travel, or serve future missions, that will be the beginning of bringing Turkish people to the Church.'
The course is also offered to community members over the age of 55, for a $10 fee.
Class will be held Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. in the fall.
Students who want more information about the classes can contact the Center for Language Studies at (801) 378-1201 or visit the office located at 2054 JKHB.