Learn what topics you should avoid during small talk in Turkish
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Intro |
|---|
| Michael: What topics are taboo in Turkish? |
| Dilek: And what are some things you should avoid doing? |
| Michael: At TurkishClass101.com, we hear these questions often. Imagine the following situation: Karen Lee is curious about her neighbor's political views. She asks: |
| "Who is your favorite politician?" |
| Karen Lee: En sevdiğin politikacı kim? |
| Dialogue |
| Karen Lee: En sevdiğin politikacı kim? |
| Kıvanç Kandıralı: Başka bir şey hakkında konuşalım. |
| Michael: Once more with the English translation. |
| Karen Lee: En sevdiğin politikacı kim? |
| Michael: "Who is your favorite politician?" |
| Kıvanç Kandıralı: Başka bir şey hakkında konuşalım. |
| Michael: "Let's talk about something else." |
Lesson focus |
| Michael: In this lesson, we will talk about some cultural taboos, or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] Kültürel tabular [SLOWLY] Kültürel tabular |
| Michael: This is about providing you with some general information about Turkish culture, so that you have what you need when it comes to conversations about sensitive topics, or in order to avoid making a blunder. |
| [Recall] |
| Michael: Let's start with a closer look at the dialogue. |
| Do you remember how Karen Lee says, "Who is your favorite politician?" |
| [PAUSE 4 SEC] |
| Selin as Karen Lee: En sevdiğin politikacı kim? |
| Do you remember how Karen's neighbour answers in the second sentence? "Let's talk about something else." |
| [PAUSE 4 SEC] |
| Selin as Kivanc Kandirali: Başka bir şey hakkında konuşalım. |
| Michael: In this situation, Karen brought up politics and her neighbour immediately diverted the conversation. One of the most "sensitive subjects" is "politics," or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] siyaset [SLOWLY] siyaset. |
| Michael: As in many other countries, discussing politics with someone you don't know well is not the safest way to get closer. Avoid this topic unless the other person brings it up first, and then listen rather than give opinions. |
| Just like politics, it can also be wise to avoid discussing other sensitive subjects, like "football" or |
| Dilek: futbol |
| Michael: and "money" or |
| Dilek: para |
| Michael: Everyone has a different opinion on these matters, and depending on the person you're talking to, a discussion could escalate into an argument. It's okay to ask questions if you want to learn, but avoid voicing opinions—especially if you don't live in Turkey. |
| Next, there are issues of national pride. Turkish people are extremely patriotic and the idea of "Turkishness," or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] Türklük [SLOWLY] Türklük |
| Michael: is very important. There is even a law against insulting "Turkishness." Certain behaviours would be considered very disrespectful, so let us talk about those. Firstly, the "Turkish flag" or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] Türk bayrağı [SLOWLY] Türk bayrağı |
| Michael: is highly respected and sitting on it, or draping it over any part of the body, is disrespectful. Following that, Turks also highly respect |
| Dilek: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk |
| Michael: who is the founder of modern Turkey. His picture, or anything resembling him, should never be misused. In fact, it is a crime to insult his memory. In a similar way, the "Republic Day" or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] Cumhuriyet Bayramı [SLOWLY] Cumhuriyet Bayramı, |
| Michael: which happens on October 29th, and celebrates the proclamation of the Turkish Republic is very important. If you happen to be in the country on this day, you will get a good idea of how patriotic Turks are. Everywhere you go, you will see the Turkish flag displayed. |
| Speaking of important holidays, remember that in Turkey, the majority of people are Muslim, and they observe Ramadan or |
| Dilek: Ramazan. |
| Michael: During this period, make sure not to drink alcohol, eat, or smoke on the streets during the day. You can do these things at your hotel or a restaurant, where it is allowed. |
| Okay, now our third taboo area of conversation is "family matters," or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] aile meseleleri [SLOWLY] aile meseleleri. |
| Michael: In Turkish culture, family is everything and takes top priority. Mothers are treated with honour and respect. Grandparents or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] büyükanne ve büyükbabalar [SLOWLY] büyükanne ve büyükbabalar |
| Michael: are revered, and, when entering a room, they are always greeted first. As for the kids, well, they are cherished! So just remember the golden rule to never disrespect a Turk's family. |
| The fourth category we will look at is "business taboos," or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] iş tabuları [SLOWLY] iş tabuları. |
| Michael: First and foremost, you should know that, to Turks, business is about more than money. They are just as invested in getting to know their associates on a personal level, so that mutual trust can grow. For this reason, if you hope to keep a potential customer interested, watch your etiquette! Do not rush someone to sign on the dotted line to seal the deal, or you will probably only succeed in chasing them away. |
| Our second tip is to get used to the fact that, in Turkey, punctuality or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] dakiklik [SLOWLY] dakiklik |
| Michael: is not as big a deal as it could be in other countries. You might find that business partners have a habit of arriving late, but try not to get annoyed. Conversely, it is definitely a good idea to be punctual, yourself. As an outsider, your punctuality at business meetings will be expected and appreciated—which brings us to the seriously private matter of "money issues," or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] parasal konular [SLOWLY] parasal konular |
| Michael: When it comes to money, you shouldn't bring this up in public places where other people can hear you—like if you're meeting at a coffee shop, for example. It's a big no-no in Turkey, and breaking this rule is a sure-fire way to destroy your new business partnership. |
| Lastly, it is a taboo to criticize, or put the blame on the underdog. In Turkey, the "poor" or |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] gariban [SLOWLY] gariban |
| Michael: are victims of fate. These could be orphans, beggars or people in jail. So, always speak to them or about them respectfully. |
| Michael: In this lesson, you learned about the major taboos in Turkish society, as well as some smaller taboos, and how to avoid them. |
| Expansion |
| Michael: Beyond the outright taboo topics, there are other things it will be useful to know about Turkish culture if you want people to respect you. For instance, splitting the bill at a restaurant is not common in Turkey. If you invite someone for dinner, you should also pay. |
| Then, if you are invited to someone's home for dinner, take a small gift like flowers or the very traditional |
| Dilek: [NORMAL] badem ezmesi [SLOWLY] badem ezmesi, |
| Michael: which is a "marzipan delicacy." Just remember that Turks do not open gifts in the giver's presence and neither should you. For extra points, remove your shoes at the front door. |
Outro |
| Michael: Do you have any more questions? We're here to answer them! |
| Dilek: Hoşçakalın! |
| Michael: See you soon! |
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