bilig-24/ Winter 2003

THE POSITION OF CHILD LITERATURE IN THE MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION OF TURKISH CHILDREN IN BULGARIA

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hayriye SÜLEYMANOĞLU
Ankara University
Faculty of Letters


ABSTRACT

      Child literature occupies important place in the Turkish literature of Bulgaria. Starting initially in a family and continuing in school it is effective in psychological and intellectual development of children with its rhythm and music.
     When evaluating child literature within the framework of development periods of Turkish literature of Bulgaria it is possible to notify the heavy impact of historical events. Within the period of 1878-1919 child folklore was preserved by Turkish minority of Bulgaria and child literature generally carried on its existence through the works of artists in reading books. Between the World Wars positive developments took place in the Turkish literature of Bulgaria, but afterwards there was a period of stagnation. Child literature developed or stagnated depending on the socio-political situation in the country. During this period poems and prose published in Turkish periodicals and reading books constituted the sources of child literature. After the World War II there was an improvement in education of Turkish children and child literature went through the process of development. However, after the Turkish schools were closed the number of children able to read Turkish gradually diminished. From year 1990 on child literature in Bulgaria started to flourish again. Anyhow, in order to disseminate the child books among the children of school age teaching Turkish in schools should be given necessary attention. This can be realized by giving Turkish status of a compulsory subject in the curriculum. Otherwise, literary works targeting children will not be able to play the appropriate role.


Key Words :
Turkish teaching in Bulgaria, Schoolbooks in Turkish, Turkish child literature in Bulgaria

 

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