The KAEU Social Contribution Coordination Office and Konuksever Ahiler Student Community organized a conference titled "Depth, Richness, and Elegance of Turkish Language" on February 27, 2025, at the Ahi Evran Congress and Culture Center, 15 Temmuz Milli İrade Hall. Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Yaman, a faculty member from the Department of Turkish Language Education at the Faculty of Education, delivered the conference. Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şimşek, Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Refik Balay, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Nadir İlhan, as well as academic and administrative staff and a large number of students attended the conference.
In his speech, Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Yaman emphasized the significance of delivering this conference on the depth and elegance of the Turkish language in the homeland of Ahi Evran Veli, Aşık Paşa, and Neşet Ertaş. He pointed out that throughout history, Turks have focused on making history rather than writing it. Prof. Dr. Yaman stated that he aimed to discuss three aspects of the Turkish language in this conference: raising awareness, information, and consciousness. Drawing from the saying, "Those who live by the river drink the least water," (Abundance dulls appreciation) he highlighted that the richness of the Turkish language is often overlooked in Anatolia.
The Role of Language in the Life of Human, Social, and State
Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Yaman stated that defining language as "a tool that enables communication between people" is too simplistic for the essential role of language in our life. He emphasized that language is a process of acquiring personality and identity that begins in the womb. He pointed out that without the ability to speak, today’s technological advancements would not have been possible. The more words a person knows, the more fluently they can express themselves. He added that language enhances our ability to think quickly and effectively.
The Sharper Your Cognitive Skills, the Faster You Speak
People with high language acquisition skills also possess strong cognitive abilities, stated Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Yaman. He emphasized the crucial impact of language on gaining a strong character, a well-developed personality, and a solid identity. Viewing language solely as a means of communication is inadequate. Language is also a tool for comprehension, learning, teaching, remembering, self-expression, comparison, and perceiving the external world. One of its most vital contributions to social life is fostering a sense of nationhood and national consciousness through a shared language. “The most significant value that unites us as a nation is the Turkish language,” he remarked, underscoring that language is a unifying force that enables societies to live in harmony. He encouraged everyone to recognize the richness and elegance of the Turkish language. The conference concluded with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Ertuğrul Yaman, followed by a commemorative photo session.
