Linguistic Transformation in Mardin in Historical Travellers’ Narratives: Multilingualism, Linguistic Observations and Educational Reflections

Authors : Mehmet Veysi Babayiğit, İhsan Pilatin

Pages : 363-388

Doi:10.19059/mukaddime.1715017

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Publication Date : 2025-11-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aims to examine the linguistic transformation in Mardin within the context of multilingualism by using historical traveler narratives. Mardin has hosted different ethnic, religious and cultural groups throughout history; this has led to the formation of a rich and dynamic multilingual environment in the linguistic structure of the city. Traveler texts from various periods contain valuable linguistic observations as witnesses of this multilingual structure. In this study, which is based on a qualitative historical discourse analysis, these narratives are examined and the languages spoken in the period, the contexts of language use and how travelers perceived this multilingual environment are analyzed. In addition, the educational reflections of the linguistic transformation are evaluated and the effects of multilingualism on the local educational structure are discussed. The findings shed light on the historical and sociolinguistic structure of Mardin; they provide important clues about the historical roots of a multilingual education approach.
Keywords : Mardin, Seyyah Anlatıları, Çokdillilik, Dilsel Dönüşüm, Dilbilimsel Gözlemler

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