Korean, Farsi to be taught in Turkish high schools: Education ministry

Esra Ülkar - ISTANBUL

Korean and Farsi are two new language classes that will be taught as electives in high schools in Turkey by 2019, according to a new regulation reported on Jan. 23.

The curriculums for Korean and Farsi language classes, which have been prepared with officials from South Korea and Iran, have been accepted by the Turkish National Education Ministry’s Head Council of Education and Morality.

The new regulation will involve private and state high schools and the duration of the classes will be between two to four hours per week.

People who graduate from the departments of Korean Language and Literature or Farsi Language and Literature in universities across Turkey can become high school teachers after receiving their teaching certification.

Teaching materials for the classes will be prepared in cooperation with the Education Ministry and Iranian and Korean officials.

The purpose of adding Farsi as a second foreign language in schools is to raise “individuals who are interested in learning Farsi, who can use it in all communication environments, who are self-aware and aware of their needs, who are active participants in the learning process, who can think, solve problems, be creative, become entrepreneurs and be open-minded,” stated the regulation.

The education of Eastern languages, such as Korean and Farsi, will contribute to the development of the cultural, trade and political relationship with societies and countries, especially in Pakistan, India, South Korea and Iran.

With this education, human resources personnel will be provided for embassies and attache’s offices in those countries.

A ministry official said Iran was one of the most significant neighbors.

“We have had a relationship with Iran for many years. Our closest neighbors are Iranians. We have been kept at a distance from Eastern languages. Language is very effective for cultural exchange. Our language [Turkish] has borrowed many words from Farsi. There is also a Turkish group living in Iran. They speak our language as well as Farsi,” he said.

Officials have also highlighted the significance of trade relations with South Korea.

“Korea is a country that has grown economically in recent years. Its added value is too high. The country has started to stand out in the world. In recent years, we are exchanging technology. We are trying to take place in the category of high added value countries. They love us because of the Korean War. After the 2002 World Cup match, teaching Korean in Turkey has been discussed on Korea’s agenda for a long time. It has contributed to adding warmth to our relations,” he added.