UALR’s International Studies Program is offering a non-credit course in Turkish from 3 to 5 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 29, in room 408 in Stabler Hall. The classes are free and open to the public.

“Learning a language outside of European canon of foreign languages is more than simply learning a language. It is about acknowledging that we live in a different, much more equal, world,” said Jacek Lubecki, assistant professor of political science. “Turkey is a key cultural intermediary between Europe and the Middle East/Islamic world. Learning the language and culture of this country provides one with fascinating insight into one of the most fascinating countries of the world.”

Yusuf Ozdogan, director of Raindrop Turkish House in Little Rock, will teach the class.

Turkish is the fifth largest language spoken in the world, with more than 200 million people who speak the language. It is written in Latin alphabet and pronounced as written, making it an easier language to learn, according to Lubecki.

Students in the class will learn about Turkish conversation patterns, social activities, cuisine, art, and culture.

UALR began offering free, non-credit classes in Arabic in the fall of 2007. The classes have been overwhelmingly popular, and the spring 2009 sections are full.

For more information about the Turkish classes, contact Lubecki at 501.683.7029.