Discover the Best Turkish Classes Online
The Turkish language has a complex history extending back thousands of years and is an example of how languages evolve. The language in Turkey first emerged in the Ottoman Empire, but it's believed to have originated approximately 2,500 years ago. As many as 80 million people worldwide claim Turkish as their mother tongue and several million more speak it as a second language, making it one of the most significant languages in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
Fluency in Turkish is not limited to the residents of Turkey itself. Turkish is the official language of Turkey and Cyprus, but many people in Germany, Bulgaria, France, the Netherlands, and other countries speak it. Originally written in the Arabic alphabet, Turkish officially transitioned to the Latin alphabet in 1928 to increase literacy and bring the language (and country) into the modern era. Turkish can claim influence from both the Romance languages and the Semitic languages, making it a unique foreign language for anyone to learn.
If you’re looking to learn to speak Turkish, then CourseHorse can help. Studying a new language can be challenging but with the right class environment, passion, and determination, anyone can learn to speak Turkish quickly.
Why You Should Learn Turkish Online
One of the most common reasons people want to learn Turkish is to connect with their local Turkish community. There are only around 350,000 Americans of Turkish descent (as in from Turkey) living in the United States, according to the Turkish Coalition of America, with the majority in the metropolitan areas of New York and California, so it can be hard for people of Turkic descent to feel connected to each other. Learning Turkish would provide you with an instant community that could help you explore the culture and history of your heritage.
Additionally, Americans of Turkic descent comprise another 500,000 or so, including Americans of Uzbek, Kazakh, and Azerbaijani descent. Many of these descendants speak Turkish, too, but among those who do not, their native languages provide solid foundations for learning Turkish.
If you want to learn Turkish as a hobby, this language can help you connect with others of Turkic descent or who learned the language for similar reasons. Being fluent in Turkish can also open new career paths in refugee or immigration services or as a translator. There are many professional and cultural organizations for those interested in the language. You can learn more by contacting the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA), Federation of Turkish American Associations (FTAA), or Turkic American Alliance.
Virtual Turkish Classes
While in-person classes are considered the most efficient way to learn, online training offers several of the same benefits with a few extras thrown in. Virtual classes allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose), and can typically accommodate more difficult schedules. Plus, expert instructors can provide real-time feedback and students can still interact together in breakout sessions.
Below are just some of the best online Turkish classes, but make sure to check the listings on Coursehorse frequently as new classes are added often.
Hyperfluent is a self-described “one-stop shop” language service from CEO and founder Eva Rosales. Services include private tutoring, interpretation services, translation, and speaking engagements. Eva is a university professor and an expert in nine languages. Her Turkish 1 & 2 Fundamentals programs are available on an hourly basis.
Pasadena Language Center is located just northeast of Los Angeles and serves the entire region, including L.A., Burbank, Glendale, and other cities. Their weekly Turkish classes include beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
ABC Languages SF offers Turkish Total Beginner is available online (and will be available in person soon). If you are not a total beginner in Turkish, you can fill out the ABC Languages evaluation form to get recommendations for other levels, such as their High Beginner level. Training options include private lessons and online lessons for kids and teens.
Karaman Language Solutions is based in Alexandria, VA, and serves the Washington, D.C. metro area, including northwest Virginia and Baltimore. Their Online Turkish Language and Culture Training Program is one of their several offerings, including translation and interpretation services. You can contact Karaman directly for more information.
StoryLearning is another course provider for foreign languages, including Turkish. Their Turkish Uncovered course is an on-demand (self-paced) program based on language expert Olly Richards' method. Many graduates worldwide, from NYT best-selling authors and academics to YouTubers with millions of subscribers, have used Olly's method. Turkish Uncovered consists of 20 modules and over 60 video lessons. You can try the course completely free for seven days and StoryLearning offers a 365-day money-back guarantee.
Private Online Group Turkish Classes
Do you want to schedule a Turkish course as a fun team-building event for your business or organization? CourseHorse has Turkish classes for private groups that they can deliver to you. They also offer a range of team-building events in areas like wellness, crafts, and public speaking.
While there aren’t currently any Turkish language courses for private groups available, you can reach out to CourseHorse through the form on their website to request exactly what you need. Plus, make sure you check the website frequently as private group class offerings are constantly being added and updated.
Ready to create your dream course? CourseHorse also makes booking as easy as possible thanks to zero booking fees and confirmation within 24 hours. You can even change the size of your group after booking if needed. Discounted pricing for bulk session purchases may also be available for training classes. Contact CourseHorse through the contact form on their website to learn more about the available options.
Online vs. In-Person Turkish Classes
Choosing the right class style for you isn’t as complicated as it may seem. When deciding between in-person or online, there are a few helpful questions to ask yourself. Do you work long hours or have a difficult schedule? Do you live in an area with limited (or no) in-person offerings? Are you looking for the most flexibility possible while still preserving a structured learning environment?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, then online classes are a great option for you. While in-person classes offer you face-to-face interaction with your instructor and other students, online classes allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home. You’ll still be able to receive instant feedback in a live online course, while on-demand allows you to stop and start your lessons whenever you need.
While virtual classes typically require students to purchase their supplies, they eliminate the stressors of commuting, dealing with traffic, and finding parking. It’s this combination of maximum accommodation and a structured learning environment that makes online learning a popular choice.
Can I Learn Turkish for Free Online?
Wondering if you can learn Turkish for free? There are plenty of free resources online, like free video tutorials on YouTube, as well as free language chat rooms and blogs dedicated to foreign languages. While all of these options are a great way to begin your exploration of Turkish, structured courses, whether online or in-person, offer a traditional learning environment that is proven to help students learn faster and better.