LANGUAGE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF TURKEY’S SOFT POWER

Abstract

The article examines the understanding of the essence of soft power in modern international relations, as well as the role of language as an instrument of soft power on the example of Turkey. It is found that soft power is inherently an integrated, complex and immeasurable force that requires a more systematic and rigorous approach to research. A theoretical approach to improving national soft power requires quantifying soft power as the content of implementation from an interdisciplinary perspective rather than studying it in a single domain. The purpose of soft power is to persuade people or leaders of other countries to cooperate voluntarily and thus create a global environment favourable to the country’s interests. Soft power has been found to include the potential and appeal stemming from a country’s culture, values and social institutions, which is in line with the essence of «cultural diplomacy» in politics. Cultural diplomacy generally involves a long process of achieving mutual understanding and acceptance between countries by presenting their cultures to each other. It has been pointed out that language plays a crucial role in soft power and cultural diplomacy. Countries use their languages to spread influence, build mutual understanding and shape global perceptions. The article analyses Turkey’s experience of soft power and the role of language as an instrument of soft power. It is established that K. Ataturk’s reform of language policy not only democratised knowledge and literacy, but also steered the development of the Turkish language in a new direction, ridding it of centuries of accumulated influences in order to strengthen the unique Turkish cultural and linguistic identity for future generations. Modern Turkish serves as a bridge between the nation’s Ottoman past and its modern identity, embodying centuries of Anatolian heritage and changes in syntax and semantics. The Yunus Emre Institute is identified as having a major role in popularising Turkish as a soft power tool in Turkey.