Evaluation of the effect of digital game applications on “speaking and writing skills in teaching Turkish to Foreigners” course

¹ Near East University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Turkish Preparatory School, 99138 Mersin 10, Turkey.
² Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ministry of National Education, 99010 Mersin 10, Turkey.

^* Corresponding author: tulay.kaya@neu.edu.tr

Abstract

Digital materials are used as an important tool to teach Turkish more effectively. Since digital materials are more interactive and visual, they help to attract students’ attention and help them understand the topics better. The study aims to evaluate the effect of digital game applications on speaking and writing skills in teaching Turkish to foreigners. The main research question of the study has been determined as “Does the use of digital game applications in teaching Turkish to foreigners have an impact on speaking and writing skills?” The study was conducted with a total of 20 students learning Turkish as a foreign language at a private university in TRNC in the fall semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. A mixedmethod approach was preferred in the research. The findings obtained from the quantitative and qualitative data of the study revealed that digital games provide significant improvements in speaking and writing skills, especially in foreign language learning. Student opinions also support that this method is motivating and effective in language learning. These results provide important clues on how digital games can be used effectively in language teaching.