The Views of Syrian Refugees Migrating to Turkey on the Turkish Language and Culture: Kilis Case

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the views of the Syrian refugees migrating to Kilis, Turkey on the Turkish language and culture, as well as the impact of this situation on their daily life. For that purpose, this study was done in accordance with a mixed design, using quantitative and qualitative research methods together. The target population of the quantitative study consisted of Syrian refugees between the ages of 18 and 25 who were living in Kilis. As a sample, the study was conducted with 309 participants who were chosen out of these refugees. In the qualitative part of the research, ten participants were selected out of those refugees. In the research, quantitative data were acquired through a survey prepared by the researcher, and qualitative data were obtained through face-to-face interviews and observations made in Kilis. Statistical methods and content analysis methods were employed in the data analysis. The research results have determined that Syrian refugees living in Kilis have generally positive views on the Turkish language and culture, they make an effort to learn them, and the cultural adaptation process is in progress for inclusion of the two communities.