Linguistic Nationalism and the Turkish Republic

Abstract

This paper will consist of two main sections, one of which will explore various theories of linguistic nationalism and the second of which will be a representative case study of language reform and the creation of the Turkish Republic in the 1920s. Nationalist movements dating back to 16^th century Europe have manipulated language in order to foster positive sentiment toward their causes. Often, language is one of a nation’s most distinguishing features. Mutual intelligibility provides not only a common ground but a sense of solidarity. Th e alteration of that fundamental part of national identity has lasting repercussions on the society as a whole.