Opinions of Foreign Convicts Learning Turkish in Penal Institutions on Learning Turkish

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of convicts who are studying Turkish as a foreign language in penal facilities about learning Turkish. Of qualitative research designs a basic qualitative research design was employed in the study, and the data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. The study was carried out with a cohort of 10 foreign convicts in a penal facility located in Ankara. The obtained data underwent content analysis and were subsequently presented in the form of tables. The findings of the research revealed that foreign convicts and detainees aim to learn Turkish for reasons of force majeure, integration, social factors, and future-oriented expectations. Force majeure factors encompassed essential humanitarian needs (such as official and private communication, daily necessities, emotional sharing, healing, health, social and spiritual support, and economic needs) as well as legal needs. Integration-related reasons included considerations of the attitudes of Turkish citizens, the need for belonging, and the need to adapt to prison life. Reasons stemming from social and personal factors included the need to know new people, acculturation, and education. Future-oriented expectations comprised the desire to reside in Türkiye, the desire for an early release, and familial responsibilities. Additionally, the study revealed that convicts learning Turkish as a foreign language encountered challenges linked to the linguistic characteristics of Turkish, personal problems, and constraints during the language learning process.