In the Forest with Four Dogs: In Pursuit of Fluent Language

One of the challenges life presented me with was the language barrier. When I arrived in Istanbul and started studying at Marmara University, I noticed some deficiencies in my Turkish. It was hard to grasp the flow of the language, I would hesitate during presentations, and couldn’t converse fluently with friends.

To address this, I followed in the footsteps of an intellectual friend, Uğurcan, who spoke Turkish beautifully and fluently: I began reading books. But this wasn't your usual reading practice. I read books aloud.

The most intriguing part of this journey took place in the forest near my student dormitory with the company of four canine companions. Every day, I'd venture into the forest with them, find a quiet spot, and read my book aloud. The presence of these dogs enriched my experience immensely.

Over the course of four years, as a result of this practice, I improved my Turkish. Now, I can speak much more fluently and I'm able to share my experiences by writing blog posts.

This story underscores the importance of honing a skill we already possess. This self-initiated practice not only helped me refine my language skills but also fostered a deeper connection with nature and my surroundings. Everything started under a tree, with four loyal dog friends, as I endeavored to capture the fluency of the Turkish language. Now, I can confidently say I express myself much better.