Research Article

Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education

Volume: 8 Number: 2 April 17, 2026

Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education

Abstract

This study aims to explore how Turkish culture is integrated into the English preparatory programs at universities in Turkey, considering the four fundamental elements of the curriculum and the perspectives of all stakeholders. The research employed an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 191 instructors working in English preparatory programs during the 2022-2023 academic year. For the qualitative aspect, data were gathered from the managers of English preparatory programs at 4 prominent state and foundation universities, where the medium of instruction in faculties is entirely or partially English, using a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to examine the quantitative data, while content analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The study investigated the current case of local culture integration in the English curriculum and provided recommendations for program developers.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Yıldız Technical University Scientific Research Projects Unit Coordination

Project Number

SDK-2023-5675

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval was taken from YTU ethics commitee.

Thanks

Special thanks to Yıldız Technical University Scientific Research Projects Unit that supported this study as part of Doctoral Thesis Project.

References

  1. Rabiah, S. (2012). Language as a tool for communication and cultural reality disclosure. International Conference on Media, Communication and Culture “Rethinking Multiculturalism: Media in Multicultural Society, (s. 1–5). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31227/osf.io/nw94m

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Curriculum Evaluation in Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 17, 2026

Submission Date

July 29, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 25, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 2

APA
Ceylan, B., & Alcı, B. (2026). Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education. The Universal Academic Research Journal, 8(2), 64-76. https://doi.org/10.55236/tuara.1753499
AMA
1.Ceylan B, Alcı B. Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education. The Universal Academic Research Journal. 2026;8(2):64-76. doi:10.55236/tuara.1753499
Chicago
Ceylan, Begüm, and Bülent Alcı. 2026. “Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education”. The Universal Academic Research Journal 8 (2): 64-76. https://doi.org/10.55236/tuara.1753499.
EndNote
Ceylan B, Alcı B (April 1, 2026) Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education. The Universal Academic Research Journal 8 2 64–76.
IEEE
[1]B. Ceylan and B. Alcı, “Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education”, The Universal Academic Research Journal, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 64–76, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.55236/tuara.1753499.
ISNAD
Ceylan, Begüm - Alcı, Bülent. “Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education”. The Universal Academic Research Journal 8/2 (April 1, 2026): 64-76. https://doi.org/10.55236/tuara.1753499.
JAMA
1.Ceylan B, Alcı B. Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education. The Universal Academic Research Journal. 2026;8:64–76.
MLA
Ceylan, Begüm, and Bülent Alcı. “Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education”. The Universal Academic Research Journal, vol. 8, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 64-76, doi:10.55236/tuara.1753499.
Vancouver
1.Begüm Ceylan, Bülent Alcı. Local Culture Inclusion in English Curriculum: The Case in English Preparatory Programs at Turkish Higher Education. The Universal Academic Research Journal. 2026 Apr. 1;8(2):64-76. doi:10.55236/tuara.1753499