Şehribanu TuranWhat brings individuals in the UK to study Turkish—and how do their motivations, backgrounds, and experiences differ across learning environments? These were the central questions explored during the 37th session of the Young Scholar Seminar Series at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, held on 26 June 2025.
The seminar featured Dr. Hadra Kübra Erkınay Tamtamış, who presented findings from her recent research in a talk titled “A Profile of Turkish Language Learners at the Yunus Emre Institute in London and at the University of Cambridge.”
Based on classroom observations, learner data, and personal teaching experience, Dr. Erkınay Tamtamış offered insights into the demographic and educational characteristics of Turkish language students, as well as their evolving motivations—ranging from academic curiosity and professional goals to cultural heritage and interest sparked by media.
Drawing on her four years of experience teaching Turkish in the UK, Dr. Erkınay Tamtamış shared findings from her recent research examining the demographic, educational, and motivational profiles of students learning Turkish as a foreign language. The study focused on two key institutions: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London and the University of Cambridge Language Centre, offering a comparative look at learners’ goals, backgrounds, and their engagement with the language in differing academic and cultural contexts.
In her presentation, Dr. Erkınay Tamtamış highlighted a range of factors influencing language acquisition, from heritage motivations and academic interests to curiosity driven by Turkish popular culture. She also reflected on the role of institutional environment, teaching methods, and learners’ perceptions of Turkish language and culture in shaping their educational journeys.
The talk was followed by a lively Q&A session, where attendees engaged with topics such as the importance of community in sustaining language learning, the cultural significance of language, and how Turkish language education can better respond to the evolving needs of students in the UK.
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Hadra Kübra Erkınay Tamtamış for her insightful contribution, and to all attendees for making this session a dynamic and meaningful exchange.
The Young Scholar Seminar Series continues to provide a platform for emerging researchers to share their work with wider audiences, and to foster dialogue across disciplines and communities.
