The Shift to Latin Script: Turkish Language Reform Under Atatürk

In 1928, Turkey dramatically altered its writing system from the Arabic alphabet to the Latin script. This seminal event, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, marked both linguistic and political movements aimed at modernization and national identity. Inspired by the call for simplicity and national progress, this reform aimed to enhance literacy rates and reflect the spoken language accurately. In this article, we explore the reasons behind the switch, its impact, and the ongoing legacy of Atatürk's reforms.

Historical Context and the Emergence of the Latin Script

Before the alphabet reform, Turkish, a Turkic language, had been primarily written using the Arabic script, a practice that spanned about 1000 years from around 900 to 1928. This script, while deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and the Ottoman Empire, posed several difficulties, particularly in terms of literacy and phonetic representation. The Arabic script is a consonantal system, which can lead to ambiguity when representing Turkish, a language with a rich vocalic system.

The Orkhon Script: The Earliest Turkic Alphabet

The earliest known Turkic alphabet is the Orkhon script, dating back to the 7th century. This historic script provided the first evidence of written Turkish, showcasing the linguistic sophistication of early Turkic peoples. However, as the Ottoman Empire expanded, so did the adoption of the Arabic script. For a country like Turkey, which was on the cusp of modernity, the Arabic script lagged behind in terms of efficiency and clarity.

Atatürk's Vision and the 1928 Alphabet Reform

As part of Atatürk's broader vision of creating a modern Turkish Republic, the script reform was initiated in 1928. Following the end of World War I, Atatürk led the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923) against the Allies, ultimately establishing the Republic of Turkey in 1923, with Ankara as its capital. This war was a pivotal moment in Turkish history, leading to significant political and social changes.

Under Atatürk's leadership, the Perso-Arabic script-based Ottoman Turkish alphabet was replaced with a Latin script-based Turkish alphabet. This decision was not arbitrary but a strategic move to modernize education, prevent the linguistic assimilation of Turks into the Arab world, and enhance the nation's literacy rates.

Phonetic Orthography and Alphabet Structure

The new alphabet was designed to be phonetic, meaning each letter corresponds to a specific sound. With 29 letters, seven of which have been modified from their Latin originals to better represent Turkish sounds, the alphabet effectively captures the rich phonology of the language. The 21 consonants and 8 vowels (a, e, i, ?, o, ?, u, ü) ensure precise pronunciation. Additionally, the absence of letters Q, W, and X underscores the adaptation to Turkish linguistic needs.

Impact on Literacy and Cultural Identity

The shift to the Latin alphabet had an immediate and significant impact on Turkish literacy. Prior to the reform, literacy rates were relatively low, largely due to the challenges of learning the Arabic script. The simplified and phonetic nature of the new alphabet made learning to read and write much more accessible, leading to a rapid increase in literacy.

Culturally, the change represented a break from Ottoman tradition and a reassessment of the country's historical and linguistic identity. By adopting a script more aligned with European languages, Atatürk sought to solidify Turkey's position among modern nations and distance itself from its Ottoman legacy.

Language Reform and Linguistic Standardization

To further align the written language with spoken Turkish, the Turkish Language Association (TDK) was established in 1932. This organization focused on linguistic research and initiated a comprehensive reform to replace foreign loanwords with Turkish equivalents.

The association's efforts included the establishment of a bilingual Ottoman Turkish/Pure Turkish dictionary, published in 1935. This work documented the outcomes of the language reform and helped standardize the Turkish language, ensuring it remained alive and evolving while honoring its historical roots.

Legacy and Modern Significance

The shift to the Latin alphabet and the ongoing linguistic reforms under Atatürk's influence have had a lasting impact on Turkey. These reforms not only improved literacy rates and educational outcomes but also played a crucial role in fostering a strong national identity. Today, the Turkish alphabet remains a symbol of modernization and the country's commitment to progressing in the global arena.

In conclusion, the 1928 alphabet reform was more than a change in writing systems; it represented a pivotal moment in Turkey's journey towards modernity. By adopting a phonetic alphabet, Atatürk paved the way for increased accessibility to education and literacy, solidifying Turkey's position in the world of modern languages and nation-states.

Keywords: Turkish alphabet, language reform, literacy, Atatürk, Latin script