AN EVALUATION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE WORDS FREQUENTLY USED IN TURKISH LULLABIES TO LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the words frequently used in Turkish lullabies and to evaluate the contributions of the lullabies to language education and development through the words determined. Qualitative document analysis was used in the study. “Turkish Lullabies” by Demir and Demir (2014) and “Turkish Lullabies from Anatolia” by Demir (2018) were used as data sources.. In order to create a document pool in the study, both sources which included the lullabies used for the data of the study were transferred to digital environment. In the analysis of the data obtained, descriptive analysis method was used. Based on the word frequency determined in the lullabies, the top most frequently used 100 words were identified. Among these words, the words related to family and kinship relations and words used for metaphors were analyzed in terms of the meanings they refer to in different contexts and the functions they assume were analyzed. Considering the results obtained in the study, it is believed that the words frequently used in lullabies are the words that can be primarily preferred in children’s language development. It is clear that the lullabies, which are examined through word frequency, are sung to educate babies and children, beyond putting them to sleep. When the frequently used names expressing family ties are examined, it is noteworthy that they are definitely handled in the context of a message. As the person who sings the lullaby, the mother mostly calls out to her son and daughter. In the social context, the duties of boys and girls and their expectations from them are inscribed into the minds of children. In addition, it is noteworthy that the basic rules of the language, concepts and terms are included in lullabies in detail.