― 10 октября 2025 г.
Third Symposium on New Trends in International Language Studies
The opening ceremony of the Third Symposium on New Trends in International Language Studies, organised by the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Ankara University of Social Sciences was held in the Conference Hall of the university named after Sezai Karakoç.
The opening session was attended by TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf, the Acting Rector of the Ankara University of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Münire Kevser Baş, the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages of the university Prof. Dr. Ismail Çakır, the Dean of the Faculty of Philology at the International Turkish-Kazakh University named after Khoja Akhmet Yassawi, Prof. Dr. Akın Kadir Öztürk and the President of the Turkish Language Association Prof. Dr. Osman Mert along with scholars, researchers, and students.
An Academic Bridge Between Ankara and Turkistan
In the opening speech he delivered, the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages Prof. Dr. Ismail Çakır stated that this year's symposium was organised in cooperation with the Faculty of Philology at the International Turkish-Kazakh University named after Khoja Akhmet Yassawi and said: "We are holding simultaneous sessions in Ankara and Turkistan during this annual two-day symposium, which is now being held for the third time. We will address current trends in language studies with over eighty papers, invited speakers, and a workshop. Our aim is to create a broad scientific framework with presentations in different languages such as English, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, and Persian."
Prof. Dr. Çakır further stated that this year's symposium will also refer to the theme of ‘The Family Year’ emphasising the relationship between language studies and the fundamental values of society.
‘Turkish Language is the Memory of Our Civilisation’
In his speech, TURKSOY Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf highlighted the importance of Turkish language in terms of cultural continuity, saying: "Losing our language means losing part of our identity. Turkish language is the strongest bond which connects us. Although there are differences in alphabet, accent or vocabulary among Turkish peoples living in different geographical areas today, the essence remains the same. At TURKSOY, we continue to support scientific and academic projects aimed at strengthening this common bond."
Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf also stated that new cooperation activities on a common alphabet and joint publications will go on under the auspices of TURKSOY.
‘Language Carries the Future of Culture and Humanity’
Prof. Dr. Osman Mert, President of the Turkish Language Institution who drew attention to the changing role of language in the age of globalisation, digitalisation and artificial intelligence further said: "Language is the oldest heritage of humanity, but it is reshaped every day. In today's rapidly changing world, it is not enough to preserve existing languages; we need to develop new methods and establish new collaborations. This symposium is a meaningful response to this need.‘
Prof. Dr. Mert also provided information about the ’Living Turkish Dictionary‘ and ’Large Language Model‘ projects carried out by the Turkish Language Association, stating that these studies will contribute to the common language infrastructure of the Turkic World.
’Science Pursues Conscience and Truth"
In the speech she delivered, Prof. Dr. Münire Kevser Baş, Deputy-Rector of the Ankara University of Social Sciences, emphasised that language is not merely a means of communication but also a carrier of humanity's conscience: "The duty of academia is to seek truth without surrendering to reality. Science must not remain silent in the face of the suffering experienced in different parts of the world, from Gaza to East Turkistan. We are striving to build an understanding of culture and language which does not take away life but gives it.”
At the end of her speech, Prof. Dr. Baş expressed her gratitude to all the institutions and participants who contributed to the symposium and expressed her hope that the work would strengthen an understanding of knowledge production that serves human dignity.
Over 80 Papers to be Presented Over Two Days
During two days, more than 80 papers dealing with topics such as language teaching, translation, literature, artificial intelligence, cultural transmission, and contemporary approaches to linguistics will be presented at the symposium.
The event will also be accessible via live broadcasts on online platforms thanks to sessions held simultaneously in Ankara and Turkistan.
