Handbook for Host Families of Turkish Participants 2010 1 2 Table of Contents Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 5 Turkish Culture Quiz ..................................................................................................................... 7 Turkish Culture Quiz Answers ....................................................................................................... 8 Forward ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Who is a Turk? .................................................................................................................... 11 A Brief History ..................................................................................................................... 12 What is Culture? .................................................................................................................. 14 The Cultural Iceberg ............................................................................................................ 14 Generalizations and Stereotypes ........................................................................................ 16 Culture and Perception ....................................................................................................... 19 Religion ....................................................................................................................................... 21 Communication ........................................................................................................................... 23 Attached Communication Style ........................................................................................... 25 Language Ability .................................................................................................................. 25 Humor ................................................................................................................................. 26 Non-Verbal Communication ................................................................................................ 26 Expressing Affection ........................................................................................................... 27 The Turkish Language ........................................................................................................ 27 Sensitive Topics .................................................................................................................. 28 Sense of Space ........................................................................................................................... 30 Population Density .............................................................................................................. 30 Living Space ........................................................................................................................ 30 Personal Space ................................................................................................................... 32 Space among Family Members ........................................................................................... 33 Shared Space ..................................................................................................................... 33 What Do These Differences in Space Mean in Practical Terms? ....................................... 33 Family Life ................................................................................................................................... 35 Roles within the Family ....................................................................................................... 36 Grandparents ...................................................................................................................... 37 Social Life ............................................................................................................................ 38 Visiting ................................................................................................................................. 38 The Home and Household Routines ................................................................................... 38 Household Rules and Chores ............................................................................................. 39 Sense of Time ............................................................................................................................. 42 Food and Mealtimes .................................................................................................................... 45 Water and Other Drinks ...................................................................................................... 47 Table Manners .................................................................................................................... 47 Meals ................................................................................................................................... 48 Food Restrictions and Islam ................................................................................................ 49 Teenage Life ............................................................................................................................... 50 After School ......................................................................................................................... 50 Getting Around .................................................................................................................... 51 Peer Relationships, Dating and Sex ................................................................................... 52 Personal Care and Health Matters .............................................................................................. 55 Appearance ......................................................................................................................... 55 Hygiene and Grooming ....................................................................................................... 55 Bathroom Practices ............................................................................................................. 56 A Special Note to Families Hosting Girls ............................................................................. 57 3 Health Matters ..................................................................................................................... 57 Illness and Medications ....................................................................................................... 57 School and Education System .................................................................................................... 58 Teaching and Learning Styles ............................................................................................. 58 Teacher/Student Relationship ............................................................................................. 58 A Typical Day at School ...................................................................................................... 59 Exams and Homework ........................................................................................................ 60 Parental Involvement .......................................................................................................... 60 Studying for University Entrance ............................................................................................. 61 Holidays ...................................................................................................................................... 62 Appendix ..................................................................................................................................... 64 Appendix A - References and Further Reading .......................................................................... 65 Appendix B - YES Program Overview ......................................................................................... 67 Appendix C - Additional Information about Turkish Holidays ...................................................... 68 Appendix D - Turkish Education System ..................................................................................... 70 Appendix F – YES Cultural Tip Sheet ......................................................................................... 72 4 Acknowledgements This publication is made possible through support from the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. http://exchanges.state.gov The following individuals are responsible for the contents of this handbook: AFS‐USA Volunteers: Marjorie Bigelow – World Flags Area Team Zeynep Delen – Friends Across New England Area Team Elyse Franko‐Filipasic – Capitol Area Team Esra Kucukciftci – Western PA Area Team Asli Soner Smith – Baltimore Area Team Lynn Whetstone – Silver and Gold Area Team Kathleen Zamboni – Northwest California Area Team ACES Staff Maria Szablya – Program Associate AFS‐Turkey Staff Cemre Ak’in – Hosting and Training Coordinator Hazar Yildirim – Volunteer Development and Communication Coordinator Duygu Kutluay – Organizational Development Director AFS‐ USA Staff Robin Weber – Manager, Intercultural Education and