Being an academic at multilingual universities: Academics' views on Turkish as a native language

Author : Ahmet Gneyli, Süreyya Özdemir

Abstract :This research aims to reveal the views of academics working at universities in Northern Cyprus on the effects of multilingual and multicultural higher education environments on the development of Turkish as a language of science, culture, art and teaching. The study was conducted using a qualitative research approach, employing both case study and phenomenological designs. The study group consisted of 18 academics working in different faculties and departments. Participants were selected using purposive sampling methods; a semi-structured interview form was used as the data collection tool. The data obtained were analysed using content analysis and supported by direct quotations. The f indings were grouped under six themes. It was found that multilingual and multicultural environments offer cultural richness but create communication barriers; universities play a critical role in the transmission of Turkish language and culture and education in a foreign language reduces interest in Turkish. Furthermore, it was emphasised that Turkish should be accepted as a language of science and supported by policies, that universities are inadequate in terms of Turkish language awareness, and that academics’ language use is decisive in their career development. In conclusion, it can be said that institutional efforts and language policies need to be developed to strengthen the status of Turkish in higher education.

Keywords :Higher education, multilingualism, Turkish, academics, international education.

Conference Name :INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PSYCHOLOGY, LANGUAGE AND TEACHING (ICPLT-25)

Conference Place Edinburgh, UK

Conference Date 1st Oct 2025