Challenges and Solutions of Syrian Refugee Children in the Process of Acquiring Basic Language Skills

Oct 15, 2026

The study determines problems experienced by Syrian refugee children in first-grade primary school when acquiring basic Turkish language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—and proposes solutions based on teachers’, parents’, and students’ views. Using a survey design, the research includes 126 classroom teachers, 15 parents, and 15 students selected via criterion sampling and snowball interviews. Data come from “Teachers’ Opinions on Basic Language Skills” and semi-structured interviews, analyzed with frequency/percentages and descriptive methods. Results show severe difficulties in describing listening input, identifying topics, and answering questions, suggesting solutions through contemporary, technology-supported approaches with appropriate materials and cultural enrichment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Migration and educational needs

Language acquisition and social adaptation

Basic language skills as a prerequisite for success

Key language-related problems in prior research

Challenges and Solutions of Syrian Refugee Children in the Process of Acquiring Basic Language Skills Halil TAŞ1 Ministry of National Education Muhammet Baki MİNAZ2 Siirt University Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the problems experienced by Syrian refugee children in the 1st grade primary school in the process of acquiring basic Turkish language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) and the solutions to these problems according to the views of teachers, parents and students. Since the most Syrian refugees in the world are in Turkey, this study was based on basic language skills in Turkish. This research was designed as a survey model. The study group of the research consists of 126 classroom teachers, 15 parents and 15 students. In the research, criterion sampling method was used to determine the participants to be surveyed, and snowball sampling method was used to determine the participants to be interviewed. The research data were collected with the data collection tool titled "Teachers' Opinions on Basic Language Skills" developed by the researcher and a semi-structured interview form. Frequency (f) and percentages (%) were used in the analysis of quantitative data, and descriptive analysis technique was used in the analysis of qualitative data. It has been concluded that Syrian refugee children have problems in describing the text they listen to determining the subject of what they listen, and answering questions about what they listen. In the study, it was determined that Syrian refugee children had severe problems related to the acquisition and use of basic Turkish language skills. It has been concluded that these children can be solved by providing basic Turkish language skills with contemporary approaches, methods and techniques enriched with appropriate materials and supported by technology and cultural elements. Keywords: Turkish language, Turkish course, basic language skills, migration refugee children, literacy DOI: 10.29329/epasr.2022.461.5 1Halil Taş, Dr., Ministry of National Education, Inspection Board, Ankara, Turkey, ORCID: [https://orcid.org/0000-0002-](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-)[ ](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-)5219-1123, [egitimci1@hotmail.com](egitimci1@hotmail.com) Correspondence: [egitimci1@hotmail.com](egitimci1@hotmail.com) 2 Muhammet Baki Minaz, Dr., Faculty of Education, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey, ORCID: [https://orcid.org/0000-0002-](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-)[ ](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-)0024-1854, [mbakiminaz@gmail.com](mbakiminaz@gmail.com) Introduction The concept of migration can be defined as displacement by moving across international borders or staying within national borders of a State (International Organization for Migration, 2009) as well as a forced migration due to natural disasters, economic, ethnic, religious or political reasons or a search for better working and living conditions (Castles, 2003) . Though there are different reasons of migration, common characteristics of the migration are cutting off ties with one’s own culture, city and circle, being left homeless and moving to a new and unfamiliar environment. Referring to a move to the unknown above all, migration means reconstructing life, thereby a new work, home, new cultural codes and behaviour patterns, different spatial patterns and new people for the migrant. Turkey has faced with one of the biggest migration movements of the history due to its geographical borders to neighbouring countries where wars and internal disorders occur and moderate humanist policies towards opening border gates to people aggrieved by their government. In fact, some Turkish cities in the south have hosted Syrian refugees twice as much as its population (Kizil & Donmez, 2017). According to reports of the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), there are 3.664.873 Syrian refugees in Turkey. The number of school-age Syrian refugees children has exceeded 1.6 million

FAQs

What Turkish basic language skills does the study focus on for Syrian refugee children?

It focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills required for acquiring basic Turkish language competence in primary school.

How were participants selected and how was the research designed?

The study uses a survey model with 126 classroom teachers, 15 parents, and 15 students. Criterion sampling identified survey participants, and snowball sampling identified interview participants.

What main problems were concluded for Syrian refugee children regarding language skills?

Children had severe difficulties describing what they listen to, determining the subject of listening, and answering questions about listening content, indicating challenges in acquiring and using basic Turkish language skills.

What solutions does the study suggest for addressing these difficulties?

It concludes that problems can be addressed by providing basic Turkish language skills through contemporary approaches, methods, and techniques enriched with appropriate materials and supported by technology and cultural elements.

Oct 15, 2026

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