Sanat ve Dil: Çağdaş Uygarlığa Giden Yolun İki Kanadı | Murat Atak | TEDxHacettepeUniversity

A Conservatory Student's Journey and the Importance of Art

• A young individual expresses dissatisfaction with their current university program and plans to leave it to pursue studies at a conservatory, specifically aiming to enter the Opera Singing department. (42s)
• Upon visiting the school, the individual is advised by friends to consider the Theatre department instead, as it requires fewer years of study compared to Opera Singing. They decide to follow this advice and successfully pass the entrance exam for the Theatre department. (1m52s)
• The individual later learns that the school has become affiliated with Hacettepe University, and both the Opera and Theatre programs have been extended to four years. Despite this, they feel fortunate for their decision, as it allowed them to avoid a life devoid of art. (1m59s)

The Significance of Art and Culture in Society

• The importance of art and culture in advancing modern civilization is emphasized, highlighting the value of institutions like State Theatres, State Opera and Ballet, and Symphony Orchestras as significant achievements of the Republic. (2m33s)
• There is criticism of a period where individuals lacking basic literacy or musical knowledge are celebrated as artists, and a call for genuine artistic expression is made. (3m15s)
• In civilized societies, science and art are supported by the state, and their institutions are autonomous. The text underscores the necessity of state support for these fields. (3m29s)

Art as a Reflection of Humanity and Social Issues

• References are made to various literary and artistic figures, such as Shakespeare, Sophocles, Nazım Hikmet, and Chekhov, as well as works that address social issues, including migration, through performances like "West Side Story." (3m42s)
• The text discusses the themes of rebellion against inhumane and evil plans, the sanctity of parental love, revolution, patriotism, and resistance to oppression through various artistic works such as "Rigoletto," "Tosca," and "Köçekçe." It also highlights the aesthetic of death and the brotherhood of humanity against racism, as exemplified by the 9th Symphony. (4m47s)

Art and Science: Two Wings of Civilized Society

• It emphasizes the importance of art and science as two wings of a civilized society, which should not be harmed. The collaboration of these elements at Hacettepe University is praised. (5m39s)
• Art is described as a process of taking from life, filtering it through the mind and heart, and giving it back as a gift to create a better world. This effort is about raising awareness, participating, rejecting, understanding, and explaining. (6m5s)
• Art is seen as a mirror reflecting one's soul, and if one perceives it as bad, it is because of their own negativity. The text suggests that instead of blaming the mirror, individuals should improve themselves and find their place in life. (6m41s)
• There is a call to protect artists and the important art institutions of the Republic to avoid becoming a society with mental health issues. It is noted that while physical illness can lead to death, mental illness can lead to harm. (7m35s)

The Decline of Language and Cultural Identity

• The text stresses the importance of defending the legacy of Atatürk and warns against losing cultural and national identity, particularly the Turkish language, which is under threat from various media and communication channels. (8m16s)
• There is a concern about people becoming passive observers who do not truly see or hear what is happening around them, despite being exposed to it. (9m37s)
• Over 16 years of education, many students fail to learn how to properly use the Turkish language, even struggling to write a simple petition after graduating from university. (9m50s)
• Similar to how some students fail to grasp the principles of Atatürk's reforms despite mandatory courses, there is a broader issue with understanding and using the Turkish language effectively. (10m15s)
• In the past, not only Turkish teachers but also teachers of other subjects like geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and geology would correct students' Turkish language mistakes, and they themselves spoke very well. (10m31s)
• It is emphasized that learning a foreign language effectively requires a strong understanding of one's native language. (10m52s)
• There is a critique of modern society's focus on basic needs, such as shelter and food, likening it to primitive times, with little concern for other matters. (11m14s)
• The Turkish language is being degraded by influences such as television, where poor language use is prevalent in soap operas, talk shows, and other programs, leading to a decline in language standards. (11m57s)
• There is a comparison made between the requirement of a certificate for cutting hair and the lack of standards for speaking on television, suggesting that there should be some qualifications for public speaking. (12m21s)
• Television directors in Istanbul have altered the pronunciation of the letter "R," promoting a more casual way of speaking, which is seen as a departure from careful and respectful language use. (12m55s)
• The concept of "Istanbul Turkish" is mentioned, but it is noted that there are no longer many Turks in Istanbul, leading to efforts to preserve certain aspects of the language in Ankara. (13m21s)

The Role of Media and Institutions in Language Preservation

• TRT, particularly Ankara Radio, is described as an educational institution or school, emphasizing its role in language and cultural preservation. (13m30s)
• There is a critique of the influence of certain media personalities and programs that use dialects for humor, which is said to harm the right brain and imagination. (14m31s)
• The importance of understanding and improving the language used in fields like medicine, law, and religion is highlighted, suggesting that achieving a certain level of comprehension could lead to new perspectives. (14m14s)
• The decline of natural speech and creativity is lamented, with a call to preserve elements like storytelling, rhythm, empathy, and elegance in communication. (14m52s)
• The necessity of teaching Turkish to foreigners is discussed, but it is argued that teaching Turks their own language should be prioritized. (15m19s)
• The best examples of a nation's language are said to be found in theater, parliament, and official channels, with a comparison to the BBC and the House of Lords. (15m35s)
• Amateur theater groups are criticized for their lack of professionalism, with a comparison to the idea of an amateur brain surgeon, emphasizing the value of theater in shaping young minds. (15m50s)

The Degradation of Language and the Importance of Effective Communication

• There is a concern about moving away from art and the resulting "pollution" of the ears, suggesting a regression to prehistoric times in terms of cultural and linguistic development. (16m30s)
• The text discusses the importance of understanding each other in communication, emphasizing that politeness and cultural habits are crucial but often neglected in modern society. (17m45s)
• Language is described as a reflection of culture and identity, and reducing it to merely a tool for communication is considered a significant oversight. (18m16s)

Urbanization and Cultural Engagement

• The challenges of urban living are highlighted, noting that many people live in big cities but do not engage with cultural activities like opera or ballet, which are essential for becoming truly urbanized. (18m53s)
• There is a contrast between wanting to be urban and maintaining rural cultural habits, suggesting that one should strive to become aware of and participate in cultural institutions to enrich the soul through art. (19m20s)
• The text criticizes the contradictory nature of wanting to embrace both urban and rural lifestyles simultaneously, using the metaphor of an "arabesque attitude" to describe this inconsistency. (19m52s)

The Art of Language and Self-Expression

• Art is portrayed as transforming mundane details and ordinary behaviors into something significant, suggesting that art and the language of life should be integrated into daily communication. (20m15s)
• Language is described as having a universal spirit, as suggested by Homer, and can be made powerful and harmonious through rhythmic and bold expression. (20m42s)
• The integration of personality into speech is emphasized, suggesting that words should be offered gently, like a rose, rather than forcefully. (21m20s)
• Speaking with a unique, magical language can transcend time and space, evoking vivid imagery and emotions in the listener. (21m40s)
• The concept of a "language within language" is introduced, where the language of life and art can rescue us from emotional distress. (22m9s)
• Proper tone, rhythm, and silence in speech can enhance its value, and beautiful Turkish can elevate one's status in the hearts of people. (22m30s)
• The importance of expressing thoughts with the right tone and color is highlighted, as thoughts cannot be fully realized without them. (22m35s)
• An analogy is made between composing music and speaking, suggesting that just as music is more than notes, speaking is more than stringing words together; it is akin to singing one's own song. (23m35s)
• Speaking is likened to a festival, a celebration of language's capabilities, and it should be heartfelt, moving from heart to heart rather than just from mouth to ear. (23m53s)

The Enduring Legacy of Language and Culture

• The value of culture and language is underscored, with a call to appreciate them to ensure the enduring legacy of the Republic of Turkey. (24m19s)