Analysis of Hasan Latif Sarıyüce's children's poems in terms of children's literature and Turkish language teaching

Abstract

Language serves as a paramount instrument in facilitating interpersonal communication. Beyond its communicative function, language plays a pivotal role in facilitating the transmission of cultural and societal experiences to subsequent generations. Consequently, the realm of language education has assumed a position of paramount importance. Educational curricula have been meticulously designed to impart instruction in various facets, including the teaching of the Turkish language, the conveyance of cultural heritage, the cultivation of values, and the development of literary sensibilities. Turkish and literature support each other in these programs. Children's literature, which has an outstanding contribution to teaching Turkish, is aimed at children and is performed for children's education. Children's literature has various text types, such as fables, fairy tales, and poems. Poetry, one of the most influential text types, is essential in form and emotion sharing. Hasan Latif Sarıyüce is a prolific writer who works in many text types, such as essays, fairy tales, memoirs, and poems. This study analyzed 36 poems by Hasan Latif Sarıyüce for children regarding Turkish teaching and children's literature. The poems were grouped according to their topics: mother's love, family and kinship, children's world, environment, nature, and animals. Poems were analyzed regarding verse, harmony, meter, title, topic, theme, language and expression, values, and literary arts. Accordingly, it was determined that 19 poems used syllabic meter, and 17 poems were written in free verse. The titles of 33 poems reflect the content, the themes of the 36 poems are compatible with the 2019 Turkish Lesson Teaching Program, the topics of the 36 poems are suitable for children, 35 poems are understandable for children in terms of language and expression, 17 poems have values, and 25 poems have literary arts. Accordingly, it has been seen that Hasan Latif Sarıyüce's poems written for children are exemplary in adopting literary values, giving literary pleasure, and transferring the common culture of the society. For this reason, it is recommended for Turkish teachers and students.