Testimonials from Past students

Rumi Forum's Turkish Language classes has become the most popular Turkish course in the Washington DC area. We have students coming from DC, Virginia and Maryland to study with us. Our teachers provide professional teaching of the Turkish language and culture. The popularity of the classes has lead to 4 levels of Turkish being taught.


Kindly review the below testimonials from past students and you will realize why they have chosen us for their Turkish language needs. If you have any queries please email us on turkish@rumiforum.org

SEE LATEST COMMENTS APPENDED AT THE BOTTOM
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The class was well-organized and informative Good teacher, good students, and good tea. It's a very flexible and good quality.
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The Turkish course is excellent, very useful and I am certainly going to continue taking the next level. I think it's ideal for adults with a busy schedule, and I have still learned a lot and made a lot of progress.

Jonathan
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This is a wonderful foundations class that sets the right tone between language learning and cultural learning. I loved the pace and the class participation. I thought it was perfect.

I absolutely want to continue to the next level class. I loved the teacher and how well he explained everything. Always very clear and logical, always time for questions and making sure everyone understands before moving forward. At the same time, keeping up an appropriate pace of progress.

I would totally recommend this class to anyone and think it's a great way to learn a new language and meet other people that have the same goals. Really looking forward to the next session when it begins!

Natalie
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My impressions of the Turkish course are positive ones. Not only are we learning Turkish grammatical and conversational skills, but we are also building community. We have Turkish tea with crackers and cookies during every class and often reflect on cultural euphemisms and proverbs in Turkish language and culture. When I step into my Turkish class at Rumi Forum, I do not feel like I'm stepping into a classroom, but rather, into a community of intercultural learning.

I would certainly consider taking a higher level class. If such a class was to be offered.

I liked the non-classroom atmosphere of this course that greatly contributed to the facilitation of learning, both linguistically and culturally. I also especially enjoyed the diverse backgrounds of the students.

I would definitely recommend this course to others! Rumi Forum provides a community of learning that facilitates an exchange of not only the Turkish language, but also of the Turkish culture. As both language and culture are intricately entwined, Rumi Forum is the best place to learn Turkish language and culture in DC.

Kristin
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My impressions were very positive. I think we learned a lot in a short period of time without it seeming overly burdensome. I found the homework to be quite manageable, but useful in learning the language. I liked having class once per week, as it was easier to fit in to my

Likes: fast pace, focus on speaking early on rather than just memorizing vocabulary words, opportunity to speak in class

I think we learned a lot at a manageable pace for a good price.

Diane
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Great course
It's once a week, so I can still have a life.
A lot of homework, but doable if once a week.
Great instructor.
Plenty of interaction.
Good groups of people taking these courses.
Rumi Forum creates a nice learning environment.
I would definitely recommend it to others. There are very few places in DC that teach Turkish and this one has more to offer than just Turkish instruction.

Masha
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I found the course extremely informative and has provided me so far with good grounding in the Turkish language to continue on in learning the language. The pace of learning is also well balanced. The homework load, going over the homework in class, and the instructor's personable skills allowing students to ask questions about language and culture is an added value.

I like the instructor's pace in teaching. He goes over homework, provides ample time for questions and discussion, and then there is still more time to learn new material each week.

Yes I would recommend this class to others. I learned a lot in only the first introductory course, the class size is perfect which allows for more interaction with the instructor, and the instructor is extremely friendly.

Doha
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Very helpful and good paced...The workbook is very helpful, and the instructor maintained a very good pace and atmosphere.

Eden
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I have learned more through these courses than the month I spent in Turkey taking language courses every day 3 hours a day.

Kenan bey is an outstanding language instructor; his delivery method of the curriculum is very effective! I'd like to continue my Turkish language courses with him.

[Would you recommend to others?] But of course! ...also because it's exceedingly difficult to find good Turkish language instructions anywhere else in town.

Fariba
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My impressions of the Turkish course was that it was a good introduction to the Turkish language. The cost was very reasonable, compared to average tuition costs in Washington D.C. There was a small class size, which contributed to student learning, and allowing the instructor to spend more one-on-one time with each student. The book we used was well-written, and was more interactive than simple rote memorization. Additionally, our instructor was available by email for additional language practice.

What I liked best about the course was the small class size and informal atmosphere.

I would recommend to others who want a short, introductory class in Turkish, and dislike the rigid formality of a school classroom. In addition to Turkish language, it is a good introduction to Turkish culture as well as a place to meet other DC area residents interested in learning about Turkey.

Charlie
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Good for adult learners - time, place, and flexibility

Likes: teaching style, teacher sympathy and encouragement, textbook, small class size, dedicated students, and delicious food

Allison
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I thought the class was really good. I think we learned a lot, and I feel more comfortable with the language. The pace was good, and the instructor did a good job of relating to the students.

I liked the pace and the material we covered. I liked the fact that we only met once per week, and that the location was Metro accessible. I liked the teacher's dedication, and the other students' enthusiasm.

I would recommend this class to others interested in studying Turkish. I think it is a really good value, and a good way to learn a new language.

Diane
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I really like the class a lot because I felt it was a happy medium between being intensive and low-key. It was a very relaxed atmosphere yet you felt pushed to do the homework and be prepared for every class.

(Taking a further course?)Yes, absolutely 100%. This was a wonderful way to learn and maintain my Turkish. The location and timing of the class was great and more importantly, Kenan Bey, is a wonderful teacher. I am so appreciative of his thought and care and he always made every class special with the cay and food - it was great!

I like very much how Kenan Bey incorporated elements of Turkish pop culture, expressions, songs, TV advertisements. I also like how he gave us homework and then optional extra work if we wanted to do more. He did not overload the homework and ensure we learned the weekly topic, yet gave the opportunity to learn more. I also really appreciated every week how he sent an email out following class to recap what was taught, repeat what we had for homework and give us a heads up as to what we would do the following week.

(Recommend to others?)Definitely for all the reasons that I stated above and because it is a great form in which to learn Turkish. Also, extremely affordable price and wonderful teacher. Thank you!!!

Jenifer
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The instructor was very professional and helpful. Wish we could have had our discussion groups to speak more. But I very much enjoyed the text book. Very helpful

Eden
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I thought the course was well designed, flow nicely, and was well taught. Both Serap and Kenan were great instructors.

I am interested in working through higher level Turkish courses

I really liked the content, pace and instruction of the course.

I would definitely recommend this course to others. My understanding and comfort with Turkish language and culture greatly increased because of the course.

Brian
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I was very happy with the course overall. Compared to other options for learning Turkish in DC outside of a university classroom, the Rumi Forum is a good option. The location is convenient for most people, the cost of the course is not prohibitive, and the quality of the teaching seems to be good.

Brandon
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Thinking in different languages

A friend who was visiting from the United States listened to me speaking Turkish with merchants in the Grand Bazaar and then translating our negotiations in Turkish into English for his benefit. “How do you talk in one language and then translate into another one so quickly?” he asked. “What language do you think in while you're talking?”

Tips on mastering a second language

Are you wondering if you will ever master a second language? Disillusioned that you have not made more progress in your language study than you have by now? Believe it or not, language learning is not all about going to class and doing your homework.

I came across some interesting research that may be helpful for you if you are studying a second language. According to second language acquisition researcher John Schumann, who has conducted research on those studying English as a second language in the US, there are eight variables that affect the language acquisition of the student. Let me just explain that Schumann refers to this group as the English language learners and refers to those whose mother tongue is English in the US as the target language group. Let’s just look briefly at the eight social variables which he claims affect the quality of contact that English language learners have with the target language group: Social dominance is the first social variable. Schumann states that when English language learners, such as an Arab or Japanese person learning English in the US, are politically, culturally, technically or economically superior to the target language group, which is in this case Britain or the US, then it tends to hinder learning the target language. In his research he also points out that on the other hand if the English language learning group, such as Cubans or Mexicans in the US, has a lower socio-economic status than the target language group, they may resist learning the target language. You can see that in either case, there is resistance to learning English well. This is not to say that English is never learned well when this is the case, but to illustrate the fact that attitudes affect progress in language learning. Using your communication skills, whether it is orally or silently, you can command social dominance. Every culture has its own form of body language. Perhaps you have noticed some of these in your dealings in social settings where you are. For example, one very common signal is learning to listen and not interrupt when another person is speaking. However, in some cultures interrupting another person is not considered rude, and the one who speaks the loudest earns the right to be heard. Other signals associated with language and communication is to understand how people in another culture tend to listen. Do they lend a sense of attention and perhaps lean forward? Giving the correct greeting in another culture is one of the best sources to help you gain some sense of confidence and social dominance. A cheerful and smiling greeting (as culturally appropriate) can win the heart of your community. Also different cultures use their eyes to communicate in different ways. For anyone learning English and speaking with an English speaker, you will usually notice that eye contact is important with a normal amount of blinking. Also native English speakers do not tend to make a lot extra arm, body and leg movements. Assimilation, preservation and adaptation are another social variable. Schumann says if a person chooses assimilation as a way to integrate, it means he gives up his own lifestyle and values and adopts those of the target language group. Similarly, reservation means that the English language learning group maintains its own lifestyle and values and rejects those of the target language group. Adaptation means that the English language learners adapt to the lifestyle and values of the target language group, but maintain their own lifestyle and values for intra-group use. Each of these variables can involve personal choice. If you really want to “fit in” with the target language group and develop your knowledge and ability to speak on different topics with confidence, you need to adapt, be motivated and work hard. The question here is how much do you really want to “fit in”? Why is it important for the English language learner to learn English, or we could ask how important is it for the foreigner living in Turkey to learn Turkish? Enclosure is the third social variable. Enclosure refers to the degree to which the English language learning group and target language group share the same social constructs such as schools, religious places, clubs, recreational facilities, crafts, professions and trades. If the two groups share these social constructs, enclosure is said to be low and second language acquisition is more easily facilitated. We have considered the first three points and can look at the other factors -- cohesiveness, size, congruence, attitude and intended length of residence -- in my next piece. Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com SOURCE: http://www.sundayszaman.com/sunday/columnistDetail_getNewsById.action?newsId=239212&columnistId=68

BLOG'umuza hosgeldiniz! - Learn Turkish at Rumi Forum Washington, DC

We hope to let others know of our activities through this blog informing them not only of our Turkish classes but also information and news related to Turkish culture, language and tradition.

Hosgeldiniz !

Read testimonials from past students:
http://learnturkishdc.blogspot.com/2011/11/testimonials-from-past-students.html
Learn Turkish at Rumi Forum Washington, DC

Turkish Classes at Rumi Forum Washington, DC

Rumi Forum1150 17th St. N.W., Suite 408
Washington, DC 20036

Learn Turkish in Washington, DC! Experienced teachers are offering Turkish Language Classes at the Rumi Forum in Washington DC. If you are looking for Turkish lessons in DC Metropolitan Area, Rumi Forum is the right place to begin. There are three terms in a year:

Cost: 300$
Text Book: 30$

For further queries and application form please email: turkish@rumiforum.org

or visit http://www.rumiforum.org/frontpage/learn-turkish.html for latest details

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Why Learn Turkish?

The idea of learning Turkish is strange for most American learners; but that rapidly changes to a sense of excitement as soon as the career opportunities and adventure of Turkey are discovered. Its central connections to Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East make doing business in Turkey a necessity.

Since pre-historic times, Turkey has been the vital bridge between Europe and the Middle East. Its mighty Ottoman Empire consolidated much of Eastern Europe and the Middle East into one great civilization until the early 20th century. The flavor of Turkish culture is richly cosmopolitan, a sophisticated mix of ancient traditions in a contemporary Geist.

For Americans, Turkey's liberal political and intellectual climate bridging East and West, traditional and modern, is a comforting environment. Learning Turkish gives access to many new opportunities for business, scientific and technological research, and for scholarship and journalism. Currently, students in Turkey are learning English at a record rate, while few Americans learn Turkish: to offset that imbalance of skill and opportunity, there is great need for Americans to meet the creative challenge of learning Turkish.