Here is an article about not being able to talk to someone who can speak English when they dial 155. It makes me wonder why people, just because they only speak English that when they travel aboard they expect the local nationals to be able to. Whilst it would be nice the reality is that it isn't going to happen unless you are very lucky.
I'm sure if I was say Turkish and dialled 999 in the UK the chances of me getting an operator who spoke Turkish would be just about nil.
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155 Police Hotline Far From Responding To Foreigners In Turkey
Started by
Abi
, Aug 22 2012 01:23 PM
5 replies to this topic
#2
Meral
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Supreme Member
Posted 22 August 2012 - 02:13 PM
Sad but true ! 
Foreigners living here would normally either have made the effort to learn some basic Turkish (the obviously sensible thing to do if staying for an extended time), or failing that, have a close circle of contacts who could provide support to overcome the language barrier when needed.
Whereas large firms like Turk Telekom do have a 24/7 English support line, it's a pity state departments can't provide the same.
Foreigners will just have to learn not to expect the same level of service as provided in their home countries, and prepare their own contingency measures.
Foreigners living here would normally either have made the effort to learn some basic Turkish (the obviously sensible thing to do if staying for an extended time), or failing that, have a close circle of contacts who could provide support to overcome the language barrier when needed.Whereas large firms like Turk Telekom do have a 24/7 English support line, it's a pity state departments can't provide the same.
Foreigners will just have to learn not to expect the same level of service as provided in their home countries, and prepare their own contingency measures.
#3
Vic801
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Posted 22 August 2012 - 02:57 PM
I definitely agree, Abi. My Turkish is cr@p but I can make myself understood. I would hope that after 17 years living in Turkey I would be able to say that a black Honda was making a lot of noise and disturbing the residents!
#4
Abi
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Puppy Guardian
Posted 22 August 2012 - 03:12 PM
Actually I'm not sure what this man's problem is and why he is making such a song and dance about it as he could, from the comment below, actually speak Turkish. 
While Hearn was speaking, the officer on the phone kept asking him if there was anybody who speaks Turkish around him. The conversation turned into Turkish and the officer asked him why he would speak English if he is able to speak Turkish. Hearn was upset and asked what would happen if he couldn't speak any Turkish or he was someone who spoke in a Scottish accent -- how could they communicate then?
While Hearn was speaking, the officer on the phone kept asking him if there was anybody who speaks Turkish around him. The conversation turned into Turkish and the officer asked him why he would speak English if he is able to speak Turkish. Hearn was upset and asked what would happen if he couldn't speak any Turkish or he was someone who spoke in a Scottish accent -- how could they communicate then?
#5
sunny
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Posted 22 August 2012 - 09:20 PM
It's not unreasonable to expect foreigners who have been living here some time to be able to speak Turkish - immigrants to the UK are now expected to speak English.
#6
Aston
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Posted 23 August 2012 - 09:30 PM
Some people just enjoy making a fuss. This man needs a good 
- Vic801 likes this
