The Turkish language, which will be introduced as a course for students to learn and understand languages like English and French, can also serve as a means of communication within or outside the country, as The Gambian business market has already attracted few Turkish business companies.
Breaking the language barrier will ease communication in trade and academics for Gambian students interested in pursuing degrees in Turkey.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Herbert Robinson, in his opening remarks, expressed his gratitude and excitement over the new initiative they are about to implement. He also thanked the Turkish government for initiating such cooperation, saying it is an opportunity to be included into UTG’s academic curriculum.
Ambassador OBA, of Turkey, highlighted the significance of being a multi-linguist, saying Gambians are naturally amazing in adopting or speaking different languages.
This initiative will be an opportunity for students who are interested in pursuing their studies in Turkey, he said, adding that being grounded in the Turkish language would help students in making their academic work easier as well as accommodating for cultural studies and socialising.
“We will also have the cultural center soon,” he disclosed, saying: “It’s already rented which will be like a multi-layer, and we will also have a cultural aspect where we will have programs like women empowerment, food cooking and hand crafts, and we will also present the Gambian arts. It’s a place to exchange ideas between students and non- students, and of course we have a big Turkish speaking community who are alumni working in different institutions.”
Students also engaged in a dialogue with the ambassador alongside his representatives about the nitty-gritty of the course.
