How can you keep your child's Turkish alive abroad?

Short answer: the key is keeping Turkish a language that does a real job in your child's life: talking with family, doing things they enjoy, expressing themselves. Short, regular and enjoyable Turkish moments help more than occasional intensive bursts.

Why it gets harder

Once school starts, children spend most of the day in the community language. Friends, games and shows are in that language. Turkish narrows to a few people at home, and children may start answering Turkish questions in English. You can create new opportunities to use Turkish; each child’s progress is different. See My child understands Turkish but answers in English.

At home

• Set Turkish times: moments that repeat every day, such as breakfast, dinner or bedtime. See a 15-minute home routine.
• If only one parent speaks Turkish: keeping Turkish consistent with that parent matters. See When only one parent speaks Turkish.
• Interest, not pressure: talk in Turkish about what your child loves. See My child doesn't want to speak Turkish.

With family

• Grandparents: regular video calls give Turkish a real purpose.
• Visits to Türkiye: using Turkish before and during a visit offers opportunities to talk with different people.

In the community

• Weekend schools, associations and Turkish-speaking family friends give children a chance to use Turkish with peers. See Schools and family communities.

By age

• Ages 4–6: songs, games, picture books.
• Ages 7–12: topics based on their interests, moving into reading and writing. See Turkish reading and writing.
• Ages 13–17: topics teens choose, Turkish music and series; in some countries, exams such as GCSE/A-level.

Where lessons fit

Regular live lessons can be a space where your child speaks Turkish and that supports Turkish at home. On how many to take: How many lessons a week?

For other questions, visit our Parent Decision Centre.