Why Does My Child Understand Turkish but Not Speak It? A Common Question for Families Abroad

“He understands me perfectly in Turkish, but he always answers in English.”
“We speak Turkish at home, but my child prefers to talk to me in another language.”
“Is he unable to learn Turkish, or does he simply not want to speak it?”

Many Turkish parents living abroad ask themselves these questions. When a child understands Turkish but chooses another language to speak, it can sometimes be worrying for parents.

But first, it is important to know this: A child who understands Turkish but prefers another language when speaking is not a child who cannot learn Turkish.

So why do children growing up abroad find it hard to speak Turkish even though they understand it?

1. Another Language Dominates Their Daily Life

Children growing up abroad spend most of the day using the language of the country they live in. At school, while playing with friends, in social activities and in everyday life, they constantly communicate in another language.

For example, a child living in Germany may speak German at school and with friends, while using Turkish mainly at home with their parents.

In this situation, the child may choose the language in which they express themselves more comfortably. Even though they understand everything said in Turkish, they may answer in German, English or another language of the country they live in.

2. They Hear Turkish but Do Not Speak It Enough

Speaking Turkish at home is, of course, very valuable. But listening alone is not enough to learn a language.

Children also need to use the words they learn, build sentences and take part in real conversations.

For example, your child may happily listen to a Turkish story but find it hard to tell how it continues in their own words.

That is why it is important to create natural opportunities for them to speak Turkish in everyday life. Playing games together, reading books, chatting while cooking or asking them to tell you about their day can all help.

3. They May Be Afraid of Making Mistakes

When speaking Turkish, some children mix up words, struggle to finish sentences or borrow words from other languages.

Being corrected all the time in these moments can reduce a child’s desire to speak Turkish.

For example, if your child says “Bugün okulda çok güzel bir game oynadık.” (“We played a really fun game at school today”, with the English word “game” instead of the Turkish “oyun”), instead of correcting them straight away you could reply:

“Öyle mi? Bugün okulda hangi oyunu oynadınız?” (“Really? Which game did you play at school today?”)

This way, your child hears the right word naturally, and you also support their wish to keep talking.

Remember: at first, what matters is not that your child speaks perfect Turkish, but that they feel comfortable expressing themselves in Turkish.

How Can I Support My Child in Speaking Turkish?

Learning Turkish does not have to feel like homework or an obligation for children. On the contrary, it can be fun and a natural part of everyday life.

Here are four small ideas you can try at home:

• Play Turkish games together: Make speaking fun with word games, story-completion and role-play activities.
• Read Turkish books: Talk about the stories you read and ask your child to retell them in their own words.
• Strengthen family bonds: Create opportunities for your child to chat in Turkish with grandparents and cousins.
• Bring Turkish into everyday life: Choose songs, stories, games and activities that match your child’s interests.

As your child grows and their Turkish improves, it is also important to vary these activities. When needed, you can get support from a regular Turkish programme suited to their level.

Turkish Is Not Just a Language, It Is a Bond

For children growing up abroad, Turkish is not just a second language to be learned. It is also a special bond with their family, their culture, their roots and their loved ones in Türkiye.

Today your child may answer in another language instead of speaking Turkish. That does not mean they will never build a bond with Turkish.

What matters is keeping Turkish alive in their life without pressure, while respecting their own pace.

At Hurra Türkiye, we believe every child’s Turkish journey is unique. With lessons tailored to their age, interests and language level, we help children not only understand Turkish but also enjoy using it in their daily lives.

Because our goal is not just to teach children Turkish, but to make Turkish a natural and enjoyable part of their lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child understands Turkish, so why don’t they speak it?

Possible reasons include using another language more often in daily life, having few opportunities to speak Turkish, or feeling more comfortable expressing themselves in another language.

Is it possible to teach Turkish at home to children growing up abroad?

Yes. Everyday conversations, Turkish books, games and contact with family members can all support a child’s Turkish development.

Is language development different in bilingual children?

Bilingual children may use their languages in different settings and at different levels. Their skills in both languages should be considered together.

How can I encourage my child to speak Turkish?

Without turning Turkish into an obligation, you can create chances to speak through games, stories, conversations and activities that match their interests.