Research Information System
Thesis Type: Postgraduate
Institution Of The Thesis: TED University, Faculty Of Education, Department Of Foreign Languages, Turkey
Approval Date: 2023
Thesis Language: English
Student: Kardelen Kaya
Supervisor: Erdem Aksoy
Abstract:
The present research is to evaluate the specific English language needs of Turkish
national athletes training for the Olympics and voluntarily enrolling in a Sports English
course funded by the government and a private association. To examine this goal, a
qualitative case study using a descriptive research technique was performed. As a
result, three distinct groups of participants were interviewed: six Turkish national
athletes, four coaches, and five English instructors. Volunteers were asked semistructured
interview questions on the English language needs of Turkish national
athletes. On the basis of the replies from all three participant groups, special English
language needs of Turkish national athletes have been determined. Course designers
and material designers, as well as English language teachers and ELT professionals
would benefit from this research in terms of designing a Sports English course to
support Turkish national athletes in enhancing their English language skills. According
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to the study's findings, the two language abilities required for Turkish national athletes
are listening and speaking. Furthermore, Turkish national athletes struggle the most
with listening and speaking skills. "Saving time to do more training," "representing
their country in the Olympics," and "playing in a foreign country and communicating
with other coaches" are the top three reasons for Turkish national athletes to learn
English.