Much like trying to speak other languages, learning to speak Turkish can be taxing at first. It is challenging to understand conversational Turkish when spoken by native speakers as well making yourself understood. You should begin learning the language by reading. You can do it with your trusted dictionary beside you. Don't challenge yourself with long Turkish novels in the meantime. Begin with children’s books, especially textbooks that are intended to teach the language.
If you are in Turkey, arm yourself with a pocket dictionary and spend time walking around the streets to read signs and billboards. Just keep on reading until you are able to understand a full length article or book in Turkish with ease.
The best way to learn how to speak Turkish is to practice the language in conversations. If you have Turkish friends or people you know who speak both Turkish and English, ask them to speak to you using the language instead of English. Try your best to understand what your friends are saying and engage yourself in the conversation as much as you can. If you encounter some difficult words and phrases, don’t hesitate to ask what they mean. Practice your ears as much as you practice your tongue.
If you don’t have a Turkish friend around, the next best thing is watching Turkish television if you have it on satellite or cable. You can also check the Internet for Turkish TV shows and other helpful resources. If you are in Turkey or have the time to visit the country, learn as much as you can about the culture. This can help you in understanding and speaking the language.
If you need to learn speaking Turkish fast, get private lessons with a language teacher. Find a one-to-one Turkish language course that suits your schedule. This is a good option for those who have a specific reason for learning the language. Your private tutor can personalize the lessons for you. For example, if you need to learn Turkish for work, the tutor can design the course to cover those words and phrases that are often used in the office or in your work environment.