I have a problem when it comes to learning a language; I'm always very fearful of making a mistake. I'm usually a decent reader/writer, but I'm terrified of speaking. I freeze up and forget all of my vocabulary and grammar. It's really awful. Even if I can understand a conversation as a third party, the moment that I enter a conversation, everything goes away. I know I'm not alone in this; learning a foreign language is incredibly difficult.
When I started learning Turkish, it was no different. Our Istanbul AFS group had Turkish lessons every weekend for about an hour. They were decent. It's difficult to teach a language without a teaching background, but our native speaker teachers did pretty good. We began to see the pattern of Turkish, and some of us got improved really quickly. I, naturally, was not among those who improved quickly. I could remember vocabulary and grammar easily, but I would never, ever volunteer to speak. I always left it up to my friends. In my host families, in school, at restaurants--wherever I was, English was the language I spoke. I had a decent grasp of Turkish after three or four months; I could form basic ideas and use a small variety of grammar. When I met Kaan, we were able to hold basic conversations. Speaking with him naturally made me more confident; since he didn't (and still doesn't) know much English, speaking Turkish with him helped me improve drastically.
Over the years, Kaan and I spoke pretty regularly on the phone and on MSN. We didn't have deep, spiritual conversations, but it was enough practice to keep me from forgetting what I had learned in those 10 months. Many of the other friends from that year have admitted that they haven't been practicing and thus, have lost much of what they learned. It's a shame; if they had kept with it, many would probably be nearly-fluent. That isn't my point here--though I think it is important to stress that a student of any foreign language should try and use it regularly, even if only in basic conversations.
The point of this little text is to share that I've finished reading my first -real- book in Turkish. I don't think I can express how proud I am of myself. I have learned Turkish to a point where I can read 350 page novels with about 80% comprehension. I used to be so afraid to speak, so afraid to make a mistake. If I hadn't met Kaan, I don't think I would be able to speak, let alone read and converse. I'm excited now, to see how much farther I can take this skill. I'm eagerly searching for my next book to conquer.. it's a really nice feeling.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Life has been pretty dull for the last couple of weeks. As I mentioned before, I was lucky enough to have my darling friend Cameron visit in the last week of May. He left on the morning of June 1, leaving me just enough time to begin to prepare for my finals.
I have one left to do--a presentation for my Turkish class--but otherwise I'm done with school. It's a relief, really.. I enjoy taking classes and engaging in discussions, but I despise writing finals. Somehow the finals here seem so different from the finals in the States; they seem to be mostly timed essay responses. I don't mind a take-home essay so much, but sitting through these timed essays is really stressful.
I'll be transferring a fair amount of credits back to my host university, but I fear it won't be nearly enough. I've been doing some planning for this next year, and it appears that I'll be breaking my back and paying extra tuition to catch up and graduate, or I'll be staying an extra quarter or two. At roughly 12,000US per quarter, taking a little bit of extra time isn't as light of a decision as it sounds. I don't really know what I'll do about the future; then again, no one ever really does.
I'd like to apply for a teaching post in Turkey through Fulbright for the 2011-2012 school year. I would like a chance to give back to the 'community' that has given me so much. If I make it through this next year, I'll sure be glad to have a lot more freedom to do some traveling and teaching.
For now, though, I have to get ready to go to my last class/final. I'm already in summer mode, so I'm hoping the meeting is easy and quick!
I have one left to do--a presentation for my Turkish class--but otherwise I'm done with school. It's a relief, really.. I enjoy taking classes and engaging in discussions, but I despise writing finals. Somehow the finals here seem so different from the finals in the States; they seem to be mostly timed essay responses. I don't mind a take-home essay so much, but sitting through these timed essays is really stressful.
I'll be transferring a fair amount of credits back to my host university, but I fear it won't be nearly enough. I've been doing some planning for this next year, and it appears that I'll be breaking my back and paying extra tuition to catch up and graduate, or I'll be staying an extra quarter or two. At roughly 12,000US per quarter, taking a little bit of extra time isn't as light of a decision as it sounds. I don't really know what I'll do about the future; then again, no one ever really does.
I'd like to apply for a teaching post in Turkey through Fulbright for the 2011-2012 school year. I would like a chance to give back to the 'community' that has given me so much. If I make it through this next year, I'll sure be glad to have a lot more freedom to do some traveling and teaching.
For now, though, I have to get ready to go to my last class/final. I'm already in summer mode, so I'm hoping the meeting is easy and quick!
Friday, May 28, 2010
parades
One thing I love about Istanbul is that the city is so big that there's always something going on. Most of these goings on happen in my part of town, so I often get a chance to see some pretty exciting things.
Today, my visiting friend Cameron and I were hanging about the Taksim Square area when a parade of boating enthusiasts passed by. There were people from Indonesia, Croatia, France, Russia, Ukraine, and even Poland. There were marching bands, songs, and some people dressed as animals. It was pretty much the best parade I've ever seen. Cameron and I got to see it three times. First, we watched it go by as it entered Istiklal Caddesi. We watched it a second time as we walked along it, passing the various groups and interrupting camera shots. Finally, after we passed the first group a good kilometer down, we got to watch it all pass by again. It was a lovely thing. I'm trying to see if we made it on the news as observers.
Traveling is always more fun with a friend. Watching the locals can even be fun with someone to chat with. Much of our day today was spent just people watching and strolling around the streets of Taksim. It's nice to finally be in a position to host someone and show them around.
I've been taking advantage of having my friend around by bouncing ideas off of him for the future. I have a lot of plans bubbling around in my head right now. It's definitely helpful to have someone to discuss them with.
I suppose the conclusion of this post is that parades are awesome, but even better with a friend.
Today, my visiting friend Cameron and I were hanging about the Taksim Square area when a parade of boating enthusiasts passed by. There were people from Indonesia, Croatia, France, Russia, Ukraine, and even Poland. There were marching bands, songs, and some people dressed as animals. It was pretty much the best parade I've ever seen. Cameron and I got to see it three times. First, we watched it go by as it entered Istiklal Caddesi. We watched it a second time as we walked along it, passing the various groups and interrupting camera shots. Finally, after we passed the first group a good kilometer down, we got to watch it all pass by again. It was a lovely thing. I'm trying to see if we made it on the news as observers.
Traveling is always more fun with a friend. Watching the locals can even be fun with someone to chat with. Much of our day today was spent just people watching and strolling around the streets of Taksim. It's nice to finally be in a position to host someone and show them around.
I've been taking advantage of having my friend around by bouncing ideas off of him for the future. I have a lot of plans bubbling around in my head right now. It's definitely helpful to have someone to discuss them with.
I suppose the conclusion of this post is that parades are awesome, but even better with a friend.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
50 days
Friends, I have less than fifty days left here in Turkey. What an upsetting thought! I feel like I have so much to do in school and so many things I haven't done, people I haven't seen!
I did have a terrible experience today. After a lovely dinner, Kaan decided to buy what looked like prickly aloe vera leaves. "Here, you'll like this," he said, handing me a piece. It was terrible. I took one small bite and could hardly finish chewing. He's eaten six or seven leaves of this thing; I don't know how he does it! I also don't know what this thing is. He doesn't know the Turkish name for it, so I think I'll forever be wondering. (Apparently the Kurdish is ribis?)
I find that I often forget that Turkish is Kaan's second language. It's difficult to imagine your partner's past, especially when it's so different from what he or she is living today. Hopefully we can go visit his parents soon, and I'll be able to have a better understanding of what his childhood was like.
Also, today is Mother's Day! I sent my momma a nice email; I'll probably buy her some nice earrings to give to her when I come home. I hope everyone has hugged their momma or at least called her to say hello. Kaan and I tried to call his mom, but we had some trouble reaching her. Perhaps we can try again a little later. Anyhow, to all the mommas out there, happy mother's day!
I want to thank all of my foreign commenters for regularly leaving such pleasant comments. I do wish to ask that future commenters refrain from linking to other websites; I will from now on moderate all comments and delete any that contain links I deem inappropriate. I would like to think this won't deter anyone from reading or commenting, but I'd prefer the be an unread blogger than be a place for advertisements.
I did have a terrible experience today. After a lovely dinner, Kaan decided to buy what looked like prickly aloe vera leaves. "Here, you'll like this," he said, handing me a piece. It was terrible. I took one small bite and could hardly finish chewing. He's eaten six or seven leaves of this thing; I don't know how he does it! I also don't know what this thing is. He doesn't know the Turkish name for it, so I think I'll forever be wondering. (Apparently the Kurdish is ribis?)
I find that I often forget that Turkish is Kaan's second language. It's difficult to imagine your partner's past, especially when it's so different from what he or she is living today. Hopefully we can go visit his parents soon, and I'll be able to have a better understanding of what his childhood was like.
Also, today is Mother's Day! I sent my momma a nice email; I'll probably buy her some nice earrings to give to her when I come home. I hope everyone has hugged their momma or at least called her to say hello. Kaan and I tried to call his mom, but we had some trouble reaching her. Perhaps we can try again a little later. Anyhow, to all the mommas out there, happy mother's day!
I want to thank all of my foreign commenters for regularly leaving such pleasant comments. I do wish to ask that future commenters refrain from linking to other websites; I will from now on moderate all comments and delete any that contain links I deem inappropriate. I would like to think this won't deter anyone from reading or commenting, but I'd prefer the be an unread blogger than be a place for advertisements.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
I was totally wrong.
Today was not scary or dangerous at all! I'm so pleased. I think I saw two conflicts on the news. Considering Taksim Square was home to tens of thousands of people, that's a really great achievement.
I think today was handled exceptionally well by people from all sides.
I think today was handled exceptionally well by people from all sides.
Friday, April 30, 2010
worker's day
Today is a scary day for me. Some of you might remember my IMF protest post. What had started as a genuine protest against the IMF World Bank meeting in Istanbul turned into an opportunity for angry citizens to fight with the police. I remember seeing people run by the cafe holding sling shots and wearing face-concealing masks. When I spoke to one of my professors about that day, he joked that those activities were just a dress rehearsal for May Day. The last few years have definitely been tense; I recall watching the news and seeing pepper bombs and water cannons. Kaan called me in 2007 (I was in Canakkale), complaining that he had experienced both a pepper bomb and (if I recall correctly) a flash bomb. Today is a day when those who can afford to stay at home do so, when those who have a summer house across the Bosporus visit it, and when those who have to work pack a gas mask.
Until 1977, Taksim Square was open to protesters and gatherers on May Day. May 1, 1977 30 protesters were killed when an unidentified man opened fire into the crowd. Depending on one's political leaning, this unidentified man can be part of the right wing or part of the deep state. Either way, Taksim has been forbidden to protesters until this year. Despite this, anti-government groups were still able to come out in full force, causing a day of general chaos and danger for police and citizens alike.
I'm watching the news right now, and I intend to keep it on throughout the day. So far, it's clear that the city is completely shut down. Taksim, normally tremendously crowded, is empty. The bus stop (serving at least 30 bus routes) is empty. The only people around are those workers participating in the protests, the news crews, and the police. There are 22,000 police on duty today. From what I can see on the news, Istiklal Caddesi is completely blocked off. It's a good thing I have a lot of homework to do today.
This year the Turkish government recognizes May Day as a Worker's Day, so for those who ARE laborers and union members, it's a really big accomplishment. In the beginning of the year, the Tekel workers had a nearly two month protest. I won't lie; I'm not entirely sure what they were protesting (I try to listen to the news, but my Turkish isn't always good enough to understand everything). However, the ability to gather today and the recognition of today as a worker's holiday is a great step forward in achieving better worker's rights. I see it as an opening of the government, a willingness to listen; however, I could be completely off base. It's nice to see groups gathering to celebrate, even if everyone is really waiting for something terrible to happen.
It appears that today's gathering is composed of many of the major Turkish labor unions, although there are many anarchist groups as well. I haven't been able to catch all of the groups or the number of the groups, but here is a short article listing a few of them. Three groups are walking toward Taksim Square from different parts of the city (one from Mecediyeköy, one from Dolmabahçe Palace/Gümüşsuyu, and one from Eminönü) at 10am. I don't know anything other than that; I imagine the groups will have a speech and some other celebratory acts. Celebrations start at 11am in Taksim. They are currently playing some really loud music from Taksim. I can hear it from my house! I had to shut my window to hear the news. It's that loud.
I think after the demonstrations by the union groups, the afternoon and evening will be full of anti-government protests. I sincerely hope I'm wrong; this day shouldn't be about fighting the police. It's a day to celebrate the workers. Unfortunately, I feel like there are certain groups that will capitalize on a day like this to try to riot. I'm nervous for Kaan, who is working down the hill from Taksim. He's far enough away that I think he'll only experience mild discomfort if anything, but I'm still nervous.
Seriously, I hope today is just about celebrating those workers and striving to improve workers rights throughout Turkey. I'll update if anything major happens. I've included two articles from the English language newspapers below, if anyone wishes to read further.
Daily News article
Today's Zaman article
Thousands gather... from Daily News
In a more positive note, I was able to speak with my little sister today. She's graduating high school this month! She'll be a freshman at Tulane University in New Orleans. I'm super excited for her. She wanted me to include the following message: "ap tests, boys, graduations, boys, summer, boys, etc". She has something like 4 or 5 AP tests in the next few weeks, and then she can focus on the more exciting things like boys, graduation, boys, summer, and boys. I don't want anyone to get the impression that she's boy-crazy; this must be a phase.
Unless there's something pressing to say later, I'm going to wrap it with one final thought. It's interesting that in the States, we have nothing quite like this. We celebrate Labor Day, but I've never really been aware of the nature of the day. I wonder how much of it has to do with the extreme fear of communism in the 50's and 60's. Worker's Day does have a rather leftist ring to it. So to all you lefties and righties, commies and good ol' Uhmer'cans (and of course, everyone else!), have a happy and safe Labor/May/Worker's Day!
Until 1977, Taksim Square was open to protesters and gatherers on May Day. May 1, 1977 30 protesters were killed when an unidentified man opened fire into the crowd. Depending on one's political leaning, this unidentified man can be part of the right wing or part of the deep state. Either way, Taksim has been forbidden to protesters until this year. Despite this, anti-government groups were still able to come out in full force, causing a day of general chaos and danger for police and citizens alike.
I'm watching the news right now, and I intend to keep it on throughout the day. So far, it's clear that the city is completely shut down. Taksim, normally tremendously crowded, is empty. The bus stop (serving at least 30 bus routes) is empty. The only people around are those workers participating in the protests, the news crews, and the police. There are 22,000 police on duty today. From what I can see on the news, Istiklal Caddesi is completely blocked off. It's a good thing I have a lot of homework to do today.
This year the Turkish government recognizes May Day as a Worker's Day, so for those who ARE laborers and union members, it's a really big accomplishment. In the beginning of the year, the Tekel workers had a nearly two month protest. I won't lie; I'm not entirely sure what they were protesting (I try to listen to the news, but my Turkish isn't always good enough to understand everything). However, the ability to gather today and the recognition of today as a worker's holiday is a great step forward in achieving better worker's rights. I see it as an opening of the government, a willingness to listen; however, I could be completely off base. It's nice to see groups gathering to celebrate, even if everyone is really waiting for something terrible to happen.
It appears that today's gathering is composed of many of the major Turkish labor unions, although there are many anarchist groups as well. I haven't been able to catch all of the groups or the number of the groups, but here is a short article listing a few of them. Three groups are walking toward Taksim Square from different parts of the city (one from Mecediyeköy, one from Dolmabahçe Palace/Gümüşsuyu, and one from Eminönü) at 10am. I don't know anything other than that; I imagine the groups will have a speech and some other celebratory acts. Celebrations start at 11am in Taksim. They are currently playing some really loud music from Taksim. I can hear it from my house! I had to shut my window to hear the news. It's that loud.
I think after the demonstrations by the union groups, the afternoon and evening will be full of anti-government protests. I sincerely hope I'm wrong; this day shouldn't be about fighting the police. It's a day to celebrate the workers. Unfortunately, I feel like there are certain groups that will capitalize on a day like this to try to riot. I'm nervous for Kaan, who is working down the hill from Taksim. He's far enough away that I think he'll only experience mild discomfort if anything, but I'm still nervous.
Seriously, I hope today is just about celebrating those workers and striving to improve workers rights throughout Turkey. I'll update if anything major happens. I've included two articles from the English language newspapers below, if anyone wishes to read further.
Daily News article
Today's Zaman article
Thousands gather... from Daily News
In a more positive note, I was able to speak with my little sister today. She's graduating high school this month! She'll be a freshman at Tulane University in New Orleans. I'm super excited for her. She wanted me to include the following message: "ap tests, boys, graduations, boys, summer, boys, etc". She has something like 4 or 5 AP tests in the next few weeks, and then she can focus on the more exciting things like boys, graduation, boys, summer, and boys. I don't want anyone to get the impression that she's boy-crazy; this must be a phase.
Unless there's something pressing to say later, I'm going to wrap it with one final thought. It's interesting that in the States, we have nothing quite like this. We celebrate Labor Day, but I've never really been aware of the nature of the day. I wonder how much of it has to do with the extreme fear of communism in the 50's and 60's. Worker's Day does have a rather leftist ring to it. So to all you lefties and righties, commies and good ol' Uhmer'cans (and of course, everyone else!), have a happy and safe Labor/May/Worker's Day!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
wrapping up
It's hard to believe that the school year is almost over. Yes, I still have a good month of classes. However, time seems to be flying now! I can't lie, I am getting excited to go back. Lately, though, I've been noticing a strange mix of emotions. I finally feel like I belong here; my apartment has really become home. Kaan and I have a pretty sound routine. I'm getting used to cooking and eating here. I feel like I have a purpose and a good group of friends (everyone, of course, will leave at the end of the semester, so it is just an illusion of stability). Things are pretty good.. I could definitely live here if I wanted.
So I have a dilemma. Giving up the life I've established here to go back to the dredge of school and work seems less than ideal.. But then I remember my friends and family back home waiting for me. I remember the access to delicious, ethnic, vegan food and organic grocery stores! I remember an entire year's worth of television to catch up on!
It's hard to be a student on study abroad. Just as you start to put down roots in a new place, you have to return home.
My trip ends on June 28. I'll be simultaneously sad and excited to go back home. I have a lot of adventures left ahead of me; going home is one step closer to starting the next one!
So I have a dilemma. Giving up the life I've established here to go back to the dredge of school and work seems less than ideal.. But then I remember my friends and family back home waiting for me. I remember the access to delicious, ethnic, vegan food and organic grocery stores! I remember an entire year's worth of television to catch up on!
It's hard to be a student on study abroad. Just as you start to put down roots in a new place, you have to return home.
My trip ends on June 28. I'll be simultaneously sad and excited to go back home. I have a lot of adventures left ahead of me; going home is one step closer to starting the next one!
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