Smart Türkisch

VHB-Smart: Structure & Grammar

2024–2025

Grid of digital learning modules on Turkish linguistics, covering topics from language typology and Turkic languages to grammar, word formation, and language change.

These learning units highlight what makes the Turkish language structurally unique. Interactive exercises and multimedia content make linguistic patterns and structures tangible, fostering a clear understanding of the typological logic of Turkish.

SMART vhb Repository

Language grows like an ecosystem.

The natural motifs used throughout the learning units symbolize diversity, change, and interconnectedness—fundamental principles of both ecological and linguistic systems.

  1. Title graphic of the learning unit “Introduction to Language Typology” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of sage leaves is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  2. Title graphic of the learning unit “The World of Turkic Languages” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, several oranges and orange slices are shown; on the left, the project title appears on a light-colored background.
  3. Title graphic of the learning unit “The Evolution of the Turkish Language” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of hazelnuts is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  4. Title graphic of the learning unit “Word Order in Turkish” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of pink roses against a blue sky is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  5. Title graphic of the learning unit “Nominal Compounds in Turkish” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of cotton plants with opened cotton bolls is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  6. Title graphic of the learning unit “Localization in Turkish” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of apricots is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  7. Title graphic of the learning unit “Case System in Turkish” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of cut-open pomegranates with visible red seeds is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  8. Title graphic of the learning unit “Postpositions in Turkish” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of green tea leaves is shown; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.
  9. Title graphic of the learning unit “Word Formation in Turkish” featuring the logos of the Bavarian Virtual University (vhb) and LMU Munich. On the right, a photograph of figs is shown, including several cut-open fruits with visible flesh; on the left, the title of the learning unit appears on a light-colored background.

In this learning unit, students are introduced to language typology to build a basic understanding of how languages are structured and analyzed, including how Turkish grammar fits into this framework. We also explore the agglutinative nature of Turkish—a distinctive feature that allows complex meanings to be expressed clearly and efficiently. Learners will discover the basics of morphological typology and see how Turkish uses affixes and suffixes attached to word stems to express grammatical meanings such as tense, person, or negation.

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This learning unit focuses on the Turkic language family, which spans a vast geographic area. Its main goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationships and distinctive features within this language group.

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This learning unit focuses on the historical development of the Turkish language, tracing its evolution from its Ottoman roots to its modern form. It highlights the historical, social, and political changes that have shaped the Turkish language over time.

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This learning unit provides an introduction to the typical sentence structure of Turkish, which differs from that of many European languages. Turkish usually follows a subject–object–verb (SOV) word order, placing the verb at the end of the sentence. This structure gives the language a distinctive dynamic, as the action is revealed only at the very end. The unit also explores the flexibility of word order in Turkish.

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In this learning unit, students explore how compound nouns are formed and used. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of how new meanings emerge through the combination of words.

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In this learning unit on expressing location in Turkish, students are gradually introduced to how spatial expressions are formed and used. The focus is on case endings and postpositions, which play a key role in indicating places, directions, and positions.

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In this learning unit, students are introduced to Turkish case endings. The aim is to develop an understanding of how case markers indicate the relationships between noun phrases and other parts of a sentence, thereby shaping meaning within the sentence structure.

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This learning unit focuses on understanding and applying postpositions in Turkish grammar. Students learn how postpositions are used together with noun phrases to express spatial, temporal, and logical relationships.

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This learning unit introduces students to how new words are formed in Turkish through derivational processes. They learn how derivational suffixes are used, recognize common word-formation patterns, and understand how systematic derivation expands vocabulary and enhances expressive ability.

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This learning unit focuses on the structure and function of the Turkish infinitive. Students learn how the infinitive is used in different sentence roles, such as subject or object, as well as in fixed expressions, and which grammatical features are relevant in each case.

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