PIKTES İÇİN HAZIRLANAN HİKÂYE SERİLERİNİN OKUNABİLİRLİK DÜZEYLERİ

Abstract

Texts intended for language instruction need to possess specific attributes in order to be prepared in accordance with the learner's level and learning objectives, and to be correctly comprehended by the learner. For this purpose, a set of distinctive criteria has been formulated. Among these, the concept of readability holds prominence. This study aims to determine the readability of open reading materials tailored for children who are learning Turkish as a second language. The study materials encompassed the "Salih Story Series" and the "Aslı Story Series," curated for Turkish language instruction within the scope of the Project for Supporting the Integration of Syrian Children into the Turkish Education System (PIKTES). A total of 20 storybooks, forming two story series, designed for children aged 6 to 12 of Syrian and other foreign nationalities residing in Turkey, at A1 and A2 proficiency levels, were analyzed. This analysis encompassed syllable, word, and sentence lengths; average word and sentence lengths based on readability criteria by Ateşman (1997) and Çetinkaya-Uzun (2010); and readability scores and levels derived from these criteria. The objective was to individually evaluate and ascertain the readability levels of the stories. The research data indicated that the word and sentence counts of the stories exhibited variability according to their sequential arrangement within the series and demonstrated that there was no progressive increase in the readability of the stories, from simpler to more complex, easier to more difficult, or from known to unknown. Following a qualitative approach and designed in accordance with the method of document analysis, this study culminated in proposing recommendations aimed at the development of a formula for assessing the readability of reading texts to be employed in the instruction of Turkish as a second and foreign language. This formula takes into account comprehensibility, and suggestions were put forth regarding measures that can be undertaken to enhance readability.