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Expert insights: anyone can learn a foreign language with the right conditions!

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Expert insights: anyone can learn a foreign language with the right conditions!


We've all heard people say, "No matter what I do, I just can't learn English." Addressing the challenges of language learning, Translator and Research Assistant Serhat Kahyaoğlu explains, “With patience, perseverance, determination, and motivation, anyone can learn a foreign language, regardless of age.”


While Kahyaoğlu, an academic member of the Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies at IGU, partially agrees with the common belief that "there is no age limit for learning a language," he emphasizes, “Early education is generally more effective and efficient than starting in adulthood. Researchers in foreign language education particularly highlight the pre-adolescent period. Studies have shown that our minds are more receptive to language learning at a younger age. Beyond this natural predisposition, early learning habits can significantly aid in mastering multiple languages later in life. Given the increasing responsibilities and time constraints in adulthood, starting language learning early is undeniably advantageous.”
 
"Theory must be put into practice"
 
Many people in our country struggle with learning English. Kahyaoğlu notes, “Our English curriculum often faces criticism for its heavy focus on theory. This approach can create a gap between what we learn in the classroom and how we apply it in real-life situations. For example, our struggles with speaking English often stem from a lack of practical speaking opportunities and insufficient exposure to the language outside the classroom. Expecting our educational institutions to resolve these gaps with just a few hours of classes each week is unrealistic. It’s up to students to bridge this gap through extracurricular activities. However, we shouldn’t overlook the positive aspects of our theoretical curriculum. In today’s world, much communication is written, and exams like YDS, TOEFL, and IELTS require a solid understanding of theoretical knowledge. Language learning isn’t a one-sided process; students’ efforts outside the classroom play a crucial role in their success.”
 
"Universities are emphasizing practical language learning"
 
Kahyaoğlu highlights the steps universities are taking to address these shortcomings by focusing on the practical side of language learning. “Universities are making great strides by offering activities like English-speaking clubs, debates, and presentations. The fact that some departments offer courses entirely in English is a significant step toward sharpening students’ language skills. Moreover, universities are now incorporating second-language courses into their curricula, providing students with the opportunity to learn languages beyond English. Given that English is the global lingua franca, these initiatives allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge they’ve gained throughout their primary and secondary education. International exchange programs like Erasmus further underscore the importance of applying these skills in real-world contexts. As mentioned before, students’ extracurricular involvement is a key factor in their language learning journey.”
 
"Learning a foreign language is achievable"
 
Kahyaoğlu reassures that learning a foreign language is within reach for anyone who meets certain conditions. “With patience, perseverance, determination, and motivation, anyone can learn a foreign language. It’s essential for individuals to take charge of their learning journey. By creating a personalized learning plan and leveraging their strengths—whether through experiential, visual, or auditory methods—learning a foreign language becomes an attainable goal.”
 
"Lack of motivation is the biggest obstacle"
 
Kahyaoğlu reiterates that motivation is the cornerstone of successful language learning. “Without motivation, no technique or method will be effective. The biggest hurdles to language learning are lack of motivation, fear of making mistakes, limited access, time constraints, and irregular practice. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals to clearly define why they want to learn a foreign language and take steps aligned with that purpose. I believe that setting small, realistic goals can lead to significant progress. Learning a language from scratch to mastery in a short time isn’t realistic, but with the right goals and dedication, these obstacles can be overcome.”

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IGU Faculty of Dentistry 2024-2025 Academic Year White Coat Ceremony was held!

Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Dentistry organized a "2024-2025 Academic Year White Coat Ceremony" for students who have just started the faculty this year. Students took their first steps to become the dentists of the future.

13 November 2024 Wednesday
2023-2024 Academic Year Interior Architecture and Environmental Design Mixed Student Projects Exhibition was opened!

Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Fine Arts Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design organized the "2023-2024 Education Period Interior Architecture and Environmental Design (Turkish&English) Mixed Student Portraits Exhibition" within the scope of the 2023-2024 Education Period.

11 November 2024 Monday
Great interest in academic literacy education supported by TUBITAK!

Academic literacy education organized by IGU faculty member Dr. Esat Daşdemir titled "Academic Reading, Research, Writing and Publishing Education for Associate and Undergraduate Students" attracted great attention. Hundreds of people applied from 90 different universities that met the criteria for participation in education. During the 20-day announcement and application process, the web page of the project, Akademiloji.com, received more than 2500 unique visitors.

11 November 2024 Monday
China's East China Jiaotong University and Istanbul Gelisim University have reached a cooperation agreement!

Representatives from one of China's reputable universities, East China Jiaotong University (ECJTU), scheduled a visit to Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) on November 6, 2024. While IGU Rector Prof. Bahri Sahin, Vice Rectors Prof. Arda Ozturkcan, Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı, Prof. Nuri Kuruoğlu, and International Exchange and Cooperation Coordinator Alisa Usubova attended the meeting as part of the visit on behalf of Istanbul Gelişim University, senior academic and administrative administrators, including Rector Liu Hesheng, TTO Director Chen Ke, Human Resources Director Li Dongwei, International School Dean Zhu Wanghai, and Technology Transfer Center Director Luo Guoliang, attended on behalf of ECJTU.

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The number of records in the IGU Institutional Open Access Archive has exceeded 8,300!

Istanbul Gelisim University Institutional Open Access Archive (DSpace@Gelisim) continues its rise in the Turkish Academic Archive “Harman” system prepared by TUBITAK. As of October 2024, DSpace@Gelisim, which rose to 63rd place among Turkish institutional open access archives, has also exceeded 8,300 in terms of the number of materials.

07 November 2024 Thursday
International Group Painting Exhibition by IGU and Shumen University Faculty Members!

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) and Shumen University faculty members in Bulgaria organized an international group painting exhibition at Nikola Marinov Art Gallery. The exhibition was curated by Prof. İsmet Çavuşoğlu, a faculty member of the Graphic Design Department of Istanbul Gelisim University's Faculty of Fine Arts. The opening of the exhibition was carried out by Istanbul Gelisim University Vice Rector Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı.

07 November 2024 Thursday
Sudan Consulate General in Istanbul and Sudanese Authorities Visited Istanbul Gelisim University!

Istanbul Gelisim University hosted Sudan Consulate General in Istanbul Osama Mahgoub, Sudan Student Association President Mohammed Eid and Sudan Diaspora Foreign Relations Officer Ali Mustafa. Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, Vice Rectors Prof. Nuri Kuruoğlu, Prof. Necmettin Maraşlı and Corporate Communication and Promotion Department Head Asst. Prof. Bülent Değirmenci attended the meeting.

07 November 2024 Thursday
II. International Short Film, Video and Photography Symposium was held!

Organized by the Department of Radio, Television and Cinema of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Fine Arts and supported by the T.R. General Directorate of Cinema of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, International Short Film, Video and Photography Symposium was successfully completed.

06 November 2024 Wednesday
Awards were given at the International II. Dicle Documentary and Short Film Festival!

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