This thread has been helpful to me too. We go the beginning of September for two weeks. I always like to use a little Turkish while I'm there,even if it's only to order a drink or please and thank you. Thank you to EVERYONE who has contributed to this thread, it's certainly helped me.

JMK wrote:

Well I am very sorry, I too was only trying to help. I think it is important to see the spelling and the correct pronunciation particularly as Turkish is very phonetic. Sorry I bothered and won't in future.

JMK, you are so right. It is important to see the correct spelling (and with the guide to pronunciation I have given, it's pretty easy to work out how they should be pronounced). Correct pronunciation is important - certain words look similar but the pronunciation is different - and can make a world of difference!!

Jak xx

Please don't let one member's objections deter you from helping people who are genuinely interested in learning the language, JMK.

I have no knowlege of the Turkish language - I've never been to Turkey and have no intention of visiting - but I do have an interest in foreign languages - French, Portuguese and Spanish mainly - and feel that anything that helps or promotes the learning of the national tongue in countries that we visit as holidaymakers can only help, not just socially and culturally but also, in some circumstances, economically.
Whilst phonetic spelling is of great help to the beginner, without the correct spelling ( as a supplement to, and not necessarily a replacement for, phonetics), a newcomer to the language will never, ever, get to recognise the written word and will forever be restricted to repeating, parrot fashion, a limited amount of memorised words - not the ideal basis from which to build upon and improve one's skills..
Whilst the simple, phonetic version is sufficient for the needs of some, I see no reason why anyone should feel aggrieved when fuller, more authentic, advice is offered.Teaching a new student purely phonetic pronunciation without recognition of the written word, is doing them a great disservice and I compliment you and your Turkish speaking colleagues here on H.T. on your efforts to help.
We Brits, generally speaking, make little enough effort to learn new languages and I hate to see genuine efforts to help new learners decried, especially without foundation.
Please keep helping, please keep posting and don't be put off by undeserved and unjustified criticism.

Phil wrote:

Hi Guys,

I went to Turkey last year for the first time, and found it frustrating that I didnt know any simple phrases. Im going back this year, so this thread is rather helpful in how I can pick up little phrases.

I like to read how all different types of people might say the phrases. What might work for one person might not for another! At the end of the day we all have different opinions and no one should be made to feel bad for sharing
Cheers, Phil

Well actually Turkish can only be pronounced one way and that is the way it is spelled. Once you know the letters you should have no problem though. Have a look at Jakki's guide on the pronunciation of the letters.

Kedi Yavrusu wrote:

Phil wrote:

Hi Guys,

I went to Turkey last year for the first time, and found it frustrating that I didnt know any simple phrases. Im going back this year, so this thread is rather helpful in how I can pick up little phrases.

I like to read how all different types of people might say the phrases. What might work for one person might not for another! At the end of the day we all have different opinions and no one should be made to feel bad for sharing
Cheers, Phil

Well actually Turkish can only be pronounced one way and that is the way it is spelled. Once you know the letters you should have no problem though. Have a look at Jakki's guide on the pronunciation of the letters.

Well said Kedi!! In that sense, Turkish is easier to pronounce than English because (as long as you know how the individual letters are pronounced), what you see is what you say!!

Jak xx