SUSTAINABILITY OF LANGUAGE RESOURCES: IMPLEMENTATION OF IPA (INTERNATIONAL PHONETIC ALPHABET) IN TURKİSH AS A FOREİGN LANGUAGE (TFL) TÖMER COURSE BOOKS

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate how the use of phonetic transcriptions based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help TÖMER students avoid mispronunciation and enhance their pronunciation skills. The study embodies personal observation of students’ language proficiency in both English Linguistics and TÖMER classes. The researcher has implemented personal observation as a linguist and a professor of comparative translation in Gelisim and Nisantasi University as well as a previous TOMER student. Personal observation method is a valuable approach in academic research, particularly when studying complex human behaviors, social interactions, or natural phenomena. It provides a unique perspective and generates detailed, context-specific insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject under investigation. The researcher has also run focus group discussion with translation students and TOMER teachers in Gelisim and Nisantasi universities to test the value of introducing IPA to Turkish teachers and international students learning Turkish as a foreign language. The study recommends a crash course in IPA for TOMER teachers. The core of the study is to provide IPA for unit word lists in Istanbul book series. Correct pronunciation will accelerate and enhance communication in Turkish. Presenting such a new mini method of teaching can help internationalization of higher education and tourism sustainability in Turkiye. The lack of a language barrier can play a vital role in promoting the globalization of higher education and improving the sustainability of tourism in Turkiye.

Keywords: Phonetic Transcription, TOMER, Mispronunciation, TFL students, IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), sustainability