Research Article
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Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 403 - 418, 25.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1541673

Abstract

References

  • Abubakari, A. (2016). Comparing the motivation levels of foreign students learning Turkish and Turkish students learning English. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Ankara University].
  • Aktaş, H. (2021). An examination of the writing achievements and errors of students learning Turkish as a foreign language in terms of different variables. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University].
  • Al-Ghamdi, A. M. (2014). The Role of motivation as a single factor in second language learning. ARECLS, 11, 1-14. https://research.ncl.ac.uk/media/sites/researchwebsites/arecls/The%20Role%20of%20Motivation%20as%20a%20Single%20Factor%20in%20Second%20Language%20Learning.pdf
  • Alizadeh, M. (2016). The impact of motivation on English language learning. IJREE, 1(1), 11-15. http://ijreeonline.com/article-1-23-en.html
  • Alshenqeeti, H. (2018). Motivation and foreign language learning: Exploring the rise of motivation strategies in the EFL classroom. IJALEL, 7(7), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.7n.7p.1
  • Anjomshoa, L., & Sadighi, F. (2015). The importance of motivation in second language acquisition. IJSELL, 3(2), 126-137. https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijsell/v3-i2/12.pdf
  • Başar, U., & Akbulut, E. (2016). Identifying the needs of learners in teaching Turkish to foreigners: The example of the Yunus Emre Institute Tbilisi Turkish Cultural Center. International Journal of Turkish Literature, Culture, Education, 5(2). 1005-1020. https://doi.org/10.7884/teke.673
  • Becirovic, S. (2017). The relationship between gender, motivation, and achievement in learning English as a foreign language. EJCE, 6(2), 210-220. https://doi.org/10.13187/ejced.2017.2.210
  • Boz, B. Y. (2020). The relationship between second language motivational self-system and willingness to communicate in teaching Turkish to foreigners. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Hacettepe University].
  • Carrió-Pastor, M. L., & Mestre, E. M. M. (2014). Motivation in second language acquisition. Proc. Soc. Behav. Sci. 116, 240–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.201
  • Course, S. (2018). Motivation for language learning: After all we have been studying these since primary school. International Journal of Languages’ Education and Teaching, 6(1), 496-513. 10.18298/ijlet.2575
  • Creswell, W. J. (2021). Introduction to mixed methods research. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Crookes, G., & Schmidt, R. W. (1991). Motivation: Reopening the research agenda. Language Learning, 41(4), 469-512. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1991.tb00690.x
  • Çalışkan, N., & Çangal, Ö. (2013). Language needs analysis in teaching Turkish to foreigners: The case of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Journal of Faculty of Education, 13(2), 310-334. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/16745
  • Deniz, K., & Çekici, Y. E. (2023). A list of current functional languages based on needs analysis within the scope of teaching Turkish as a foreign language. Journal of Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, 5(2), 374-401. https://doi.org/10.38151/akef.2023.60
  • Direkci, B., Şimşek, B., & Akbulut, S. (2020). Examining student opinions on cultural transfer in the process of learning Turkish as a foreign language. International Journal of Euroasian Research, 8(22), 278-293. https://doi.org/10.33692/avrasyad.702372
  • Erol, S. (2021). Motivational barriers encountered by learners of Turkish as a foreign language. Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Journal of Faculty of Education, 21(1), 270-281. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2021.21.21.60703-855304
  • Fetters, M. D., Curry, L. A., & Creswell, J. W. (2013). Achieving integration in mixed methods designs—Principles and practices. Health Services Research, 48(6), 2134-2156. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12117
  • Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. (1972). Attitudes and motivation in second language learning. Newbury House Publishers.
  • Gardner, R. C., & MacIntyre, P. D. (1991). An instrumental motivation in language study: Who says it isn't effective? SSLA, 13(1), 57-72. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44487535
  • Ghenghesh, P. (2010). The motivation of L2 learners: Does it decrease with age? ELT, 3(1), 128–141. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081489.pdf
  • Gül, F., & Soysal, B. (2009). On the relationship between language and thought. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 13, 65-76. https://avys.omu.edu.tr/storage/app/public/asuman.kucukoner/134875/dil%20ve%20d%C3%BC%C5%9F%C3%BCnce.pdf
  • Güney, S. (2017). Örgütsel davranış. [Organizational behavior]. Nobel Academic Publishing.
  • Houser, R. (2015). Counseling and educational research: Evaluation and application. Sage Publications.
  • Ilter, İ. (2021). The relationship between academic motivation and achievement: A study on middle school students. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 14(3), 389–410. https://doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.847145
  • Ismayil, E., & Aliyev, B. (2016). The role of energy in Turkey-Russia relations. TYB Academy, 17, 187-201. https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/tr/yayin/detay/210873/turkiye-rusya-iliskilerinde-enerjinin-rolu
  • İpek, S., & Çelik, N. (2019). Language needs analysis in teaching Turkish as a foreign language: The case of Poland. Aydın Tömer Language Journal, 4(2), 101-136. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/aydintdd/issue/50736/614323
  • Kavi, E. (2019). Motivations of learners of Turkish as a foreign language. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, İstanbul University].
  • Kaya, M., & Demirel, O. (2023). Analysis of the number of Turkish speakers and its ranking among world languages. Aydın TÖMER Dil Dergisi, 8(2), 295-330. https://doi.org/10.17932/IAU.TOMER.2016.019/tomer_v08i2005
  • Laseter, N. D. (2020). Student motivation and achievement in second language learning. [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University].
  • McDougall, W. (1923). Outline of psychology. Scribner.
  • Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (2021). An extended sourcebook: Qualitative data analysis. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Melendy, G. A. (2008). Motivating writers: The power of choice. The Asian EFL Journal, 10(3), 187-198. https://www.elejournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/September_2008.pdf#page=187
  • Merriam, S. B. (2013). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass
  • Mohammed, A. (2019). Motivation of foreign graduate students to learn Turkish as a foreign language. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Marmara University].
  • Oxford, R., & Shearin, J. (1994). Language learning motivation: Expanding the theoretical framework. MLJ, 78(1), 12-28. https://doi.org/10.2307/329249
  • Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Ryan, R., & Deci, E. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25, 54-67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020
  • Ryan, R. M., Bradshaw, E., Deci, E. L., Sternberg, R., & Pickren, W. (2019). A history of human motivation theories. R. J. Sternberg & W. E. Pickren (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the intellectual history of psychology, (pp. 391-411). Cambridge University Press.
  • Sayar, E. (2019). A needs analysis of reasons for learning Turkish as a foreign language: The case of Djibouti. Hacettepe University Journal of Turkish as a Foreign Language Studies, 5, 95-108. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/huydotad/issue/47235/526640
  • Saydam, M., & Çangal, Ö. (2018). The effect of active participation in extracurricular activities on student motivation in teaching Turkish to foreigners. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 11(2), 342-356. http://dx.doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.384971
  • Seven, M. A. (2020). Motivation in language learning and teaching. African Educational Research Journal, 8(2), 62-71. https://doi.org/10.30918/AERJ.8S2.20.033
  • Sevim, O. (2019). Motivation for learning Turkish as a foreign language: A scale development study. Journal of Turkish Research Institute, (65), 567-586. https://doi.org/10.14222/Turkiyat4170
  • Tunagür, M., & Kardaş, M. N. (2021). A study on Syrian students' experiences of learning Turkish (their goals and the problems they encounter in the process). Social Sciences: Theory and Practice, 5(1), 120-136. https://doi.org/10.48066/kusob.948211
  • Uzdu Yıldız, F., & Ramanenkava, A. (2020). Identifying language needs in teaching Turkish as a foreign language: the case of Belarus. Journal of Language Education and Research, 6(2), 531-559. https://doi.org/10.31464/jlere.753602
  • Yağmur, Ş. K. (2021). Motivation levels of international students learning Turkish as a foreign language. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Social Sciences, 18(3), 1628-1639. https://doi.org/10.33437/ksusbd.100125
  • Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2021). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri. [Qualitative research methods in social sciences]. Seçkin Publishing.
  • Yiğit, M. (2021). The perception of Turkey and reasons for learning Turkish among students at the Yunus Emre Institute in Sarajevo. Kırıkkale University Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1), 207-216. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/kusbd/issue/60105/777351
  • Zareian, G., & Jodaei, H. (2015). Motivation in second language acquisition: A state of the art article. IJSSE, 5(2), 295-308. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED585770.pdf

Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 3, 403 - 418, 25.12.2025
https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1541673

Abstract

This study aims to determine the motivation of Russians working at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant towards learning Turkish. The study group consists of 17 female and 19 male employees working at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. A mixed research method was preferred in the study, and data were collected using the Motivation Scale for Learning Turkish as a Foreign Language. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 22 software and content analysis techniques, and the results were discussed, tabulated, and interpreted with field experts. It was determined that the motivation of the Russians working at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant to learn Turkish was high, and the total scores they received from the motivation scale did not differ significantly according to gender, age, educational status, place of residence, course-taking status, and language level. It has been determined that the effect of business life is high among the reasons that push Russians to learn Turkish, and that they want to learn Turkish for a better job. It is also clearly stated that the study will contribute to the literature and guide future studies.

References

  • Abubakari, A. (2016). Comparing the motivation levels of foreign students learning Turkish and Turkish students learning English. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Ankara University].
  • Aktaş, H. (2021). An examination of the writing achievements and errors of students learning Turkish as a foreign language in terms of different variables. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University].
  • Al-Ghamdi, A. M. (2014). The Role of motivation as a single factor in second language learning. ARECLS, 11, 1-14. https://research.ncl.ac.uk/media/sites/researchwebsites/arecls/The%20Role%20of%20Motivation%20as%20a%20Single%20Factor%20in%20Second%20Language%20Learning.pdf
  • Alizadeh, M. (2016). The impact of motivation on English language learning. IJREE, 1(1), 11-15. http://ijreeonline.com/article-1-23-en.html
  • Alshenqeeti, H. (2018). Motivation and foreign language learning: Exploring the rise of motivation strategies in the EFL classroom. IJALEL, 7(7), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.7n.7p.1
  • Anjomshoa, L., & Sadighi, F. (2015). The importance of motivation in second language acquisition. IJSELL, 3(2), 126-137. https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijsell/v3-i2/12.pdf
  • Başar, U., & Akbulut, E. (2016). Identifying the needs of learners in teaching Turkish to foreigners: The example of the Yunus Emre Institute Tbilisi Turkish Cultural Center. International Journal of Turkish Literature, Culture, Education, 5(2). 1005-1020. https://doi.org/10.7884/teke.673
  • Becirovic, S. (2017). The relationship between gender, motivation, and achievement in learning English as a foreign language. EJCE, 6(2), 210-220. https://doi.org/10.13187/ejced.2017.2.210
  • Boz, B. Y. (2020). The relationship between second language motivational self-system and willingness to communicate in teaching Turkish to foreigners. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Hacettepe University].
  • Carrió-Pastor, M. L., & Mestre, E. M. M. (2014). Motivation in second language acquisition. Proc. Soc. Behav. Sci. 116, 240–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.01.201
  • Course, S. (2018). Motivation for language learning: After all we have been studying these since primary school. International Journal of Languages’ Education and Teaching, 6(1), 496-513. 10.18298/ijlet.2575
  • Creswell, W. J. (2021). Introduction to mixed methods research. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Crookes, G., & Schmidt, R. W. (1991). Motivation: Reopening the research agenda. Language Learning, 41(4), 469-512. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-1770.1991.tb00690.x
  • Çalışkan, N., & Çangal, Ö. (2013). Language needs analysis in teaching Turkish to foreigners: The case of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Journal of Faculty of Education, 13(2), 310-334. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/16745
  • Deniz, K., & Çekici, Y. E. (2023). A list of current functional languages based on needs analysis within the scope of teaching Turkish as a foreign language. Journal of Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, 5(2), 374-401. https://doi.org/10.38151/akef.2023.60
  • Direkci, B., Şimşek, B., & Akbulut, S. (2020). Examining student opinions on cultural transfer in the process of learning Turkish as a foreign language. International Journal of Euroasian Research, 8(22), 278-293. https://doi.org/10.33692/avrasyad.702372
  • Erol, S. (2021). Motivational barriers encountered by learners of Turkish as a foreign language. Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Journal of Faculty of Education, 21(1), 270-281. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2021.21.21.60703-855304
  • Fetters, M. D., Curry, L. A., & Creswell, J. W. (2013). Achieving integration in mixed methods designs—Principles and practices. Health Services Research, 48(6), 2134-2156. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12117
  • Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. (1972). Attitudes and motivation in second language learning. Newbury House Publishers.
  • Gardner, R. C., & MacIntyre, P. D. (1991). An instrumental motivation in language study: Who says it isn't effective? SSLA, 13(1), 57-72. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44487535
  • Ghenghesh, P. (2010). The motivation of L2 learners: Does it decrease with age? ELT, 3(1), 128–141. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081489.pdf
  • Gül, F., & Soysal, B. (2009). On the relationship between language and thought. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 13, 65-76. https://avys.omu.edu.tr/storage/app/public/asuman.kucukoner/134875/dil%20ve%20d%C3%BC%C5%9F%C3%BCnce.pdf
  • Güney, S. (2017). Örgütsel davranış. [Organizational behavior]. Nobel Academic Publishing.
  • Houser, R. (2015). Counseling and educational research: Evaluation and application. Sage Publications.
  • Ilter, İ. (2021). The relationship between academic motivation and achievement: A study on middle school students. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 14(3), 389–410. https://doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.847145
  • Ismayil, E., & Aliyev, B. (2016). The role of energy in Turkey-Russia relations. TYB Academy, 17, 187-201. https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/tr/yayin/detay/210873/turkiye-rusya-iliskilerinde-enerjinin-rolu
  • İpek, S., & Çelik, N. (2019). Language needs analysis in teaching Turkish as a foreign language: The case of Poland. Aydın Tömer Language Journal, 4(2), 101-136. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/aydintdd/issue/50736/614323
  • Kavi, E. (2019). Motivations of learners of Turkish as a foreign language. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, İstanbul University].
  • Kaya, M., & Demirel, O. (2023). Analysis of the number of Turkish speakers and its ranking among world languages. Aydın TÖMER Dil Dergisi, 8(2), 295-330. https://doi.org/10.17932/IAU.TOMER.2016.019/tomer_v08i2005
  • Laseter, N. D. (2020). Student motivation and achievement in second language learning. [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University].
  • McDougall, W. (1923). Outline of psychology. Scribner.
  • Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (2021). An extended sourcebook: Qualitative data analysis. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Melendy, G. A. (2008). Motivating writers: The power of choice. The Asian EFL Journal, 10(3), 187-198. https://www.elejournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/September_2008.pdf#page=187
  • Merriam, S. B. (2013). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Jossey-Bass
  • Mohammed, A. (2019). Motivation of foreign graduate students to learn Turkish as a foreign language. [Unpublished Master’s Thesis, Marmara University].
  • Oxford, R., & Shearin, J. (1994). Language learning motivation: Expanding the theoretical framework. MLJ, 78(1), 12-28. https://doi.org/10.2307/329249
  • Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Ryan, R., & Deci, E. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25, 54-67. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1999.1020
  • Ryan, R. M., Bradshaw, E., Deci, E. L., Sternberg, R., & Pickren, W. (2019). A history of human motivation theories. R. J. Sternberg & W. E. Pickren (Ed.), The Cambridge handbook of the intellectual history of psychology, (pp. 391-411). Cambridge University Press.
  • Sayar, E. (2019). A needs analysis of reasons for learning Turkish as a foreign language: The case of Djibouti. Hacettepe University Journal of Turkish as a Foreign Language Studies, 5, 95-108. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/huydotad/issue/47235/526640
  • Saydam, M., & Çangal, Ö. (2018). The effect of active participation in extracurricular activities on student motivation in teaching Turkish to foreigners. Journal of Theoretical Educational Science, 11(2), 342-356. http://dx.doi.org/10.30831/akukeg.384971
  • Seven, M. A. (2020). Motivation in language learning and teaching. African Educational Research Journal, 8(2), 62-71. https://doi.org/10.30918/AERJ.8S2.20.033
  • Sevim, O. (2019). Motivation for learning Turkish as a foreign language: A scale development study. Journal of Turkish Research Institute, (65), 567-586. https://doi.org/10.14222/Turkiyat4170
  • Tunagür, M., & Kardaş, M. N. (2021). A study on Syrian students' experiences of learning Turkish (their goals and the problems they encounter in the process). Social Sciences: Theory and Practice, 5(1), 120-136. https://doi.org/10.48066/kusob.948211
  • Uzdu Yıldız, F., & Ramanenkava, A. (2020). Identifying language needs in teaching Turkish as a foreign language: the case of Belarus. Journal of Language Education and Research, 6(2), 531-559. https://doi.org/10.31464/jlere.753602
  • Yağmur, Ş. K. (2021). Motivation levels of international students learning Turkish as a foreign language. Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Journal of Social Sciences, 18(3), 1628-1639. https://doi.org/10.33437/ksusbd.100125
  • Yıldırım, A., & Şimşek, H. (2021). Sosyal bilimlerde nitel araştırma yöntemleri. [Qualitative research methods in social sciences]. Seçkin Publishing.
  • Yiğit, M. (2021). The perception of Turkey and reasons for learning Turkish among students at the Yunus Emre Institute in Sarajevo. Kırıkkale University Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1), 207-216. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/kusbd/issue/60105/777351
  • Zareian, G., & Jodaei, H. (2015). Motivation in second language acquisition: A state of the art article. IJSSE, 5(2), 295-308. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED585770.pdf
There are 49 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Turkish Education
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Kadir Kaplan 0000-0001-7901-1025

Osman Demirel 0000-0001-6783-5967

Abdulvahap Avşar 0000-0002-2290-8445

Submission Date September 1, 2024
Acceptance Date October 19, 2025
Early Pub Date December 11, 2025
Publication Date December 25, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 15 Issue: 3

Cite

APA Kaplan, K., Demirel, O., & Avşar, A. (2025). Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 15(3), 403-418. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1541673
AMA Kaplan K, Demirel O, Avşar A. Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. SUJE. December 2025;15(3):403-418. doi:10.19126/suje.1541673
Chicago Kaplan, Kadir, Osman Demirel, and Abdulvahap Avşar. “Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant”. Sakarya University Journal of Education 15, no. 3 (December 2025): 403-18. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1541673.
EndNote Kaplan K, Demirel O, Avşar A (December 1, 2025) Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Sakarya University Journal of Education 15 3 403–418.
IEEE K. Kaplan, O. Demirel, and A. Avşar, “Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant”, SUJE, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 403–418, 2025, doi: 10.19126/suje.1541673.
ISNAD Kaplan, Kadir et al. “Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant”. Sakarya University Journal of Education 15/3 (December2025), 403-418. https://doi.org/10.19126/suje.1541673.
JAMA Kaplan K, Demirel O, Avşar A. Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. SUJE. 2025;15:403–418.
MLA Kaplan, Kadir et al. “Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant”. Sakarya University Journal of Education, vol. 15, no. 3, 2025, pp. 403-18, doi:10.19126/suje.1541673.
Vancouver Kaplan K, Demirel O, Avşar A. Motivation in Foreign Language Acquisition: The Case of Turkish at Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. SUJE. 2025;15(3):403-18.