Learning Journal

[David Mowry]

In the first few weeks, I've experimented with various resources to assist with the language. My first activity was to use the global studio's language learning resources to figure out where my starting point should be. I understood the grammar in each of the lessons, but I decided it would be helpful to review a few of the concepts. I integrated this review into the last post I wrote with the new vocabulary. This exercise was helpful, but the sentences seemed somewhat stilted. Additionally, I recognized that I wouldn't think to form complex sentences like the ones in the last few chapters of the book. In order to fix this, I began to read news articles and listen to streaming video on CNNTurk. From the articles, I can pick up new words and see how sentences are formed. The videos help me be able to pick out the different words in the broadcast and recognize patterns of speech. I have continued by beginning a book and reading poems in Turkish.The news websites have been the most useful way to learn new vocabulary and gain a sense of common usage patterns. The poems and novel are also interesting, but I don't believe I'm quite at the point where I can fully appreciate stylistic distinctions. I plan to continually review the grammar when it comes up in new contexts, but I will focus on other aspects of language learning. I am excited to begin work with my language partner; I believe informal speaking and listening will help tremendously with my areas of focus.