Getting by in Turkish: A Quick Beginner's Course for Tourists and Business People (Getting by in)

Rating:
Summary: a great way to start learning Turkish
Review: I bought this book/cassette to learn a few words and phrases before going on vacation in Turkey. I'm not trying or expecting to actually learn Turkish, just to be able to know a few polite words, and be able to order lunch in a cafe. So my high rating reflects this goal.
This book and cassette are really easy to use. What I particularly like is that you can listen to the cassette when walking, for example, and the explanations and translations are included so you can understand what is going on without constantly referring to the little book (unlike some other lessons I've tried, where you really cannot follow the tape unless you are reading along in the book).
It was clearly put together by a real teacher -- it helps you learn step by step, and repeats things, and leaves long enough pauses for you to repeat.
I wish there were a sequel, because I'm ready to learn a little more...

Rating:
Summary: Excellent practical intro
Review: Oh, this is great! This was a BBC Radio 4 course, based on six radio programmes, done by Rona Bengisu, who teaches Turkish at London University's School of African and Oriental Studies (the UK's main centre of such study). She also did "Turkish in 3 Months", which was the best Turkish course around.

Why is this so good? Well, unlike most courses, it had the BBC in charge, so the recording quality is second to none - it is actually broadcast quality. Secondly, because it is designed as a radio course, the book is there as a help, not as the prime material, so you work always from the tape to the book (and indeed you don't even absolutely need the book). So you encounter things as words, and there's lots of repetition, but not enough to be boring. And finally Bengi is such a good teacher (judging by her courses!).

This used to be called "Get by in Turkish". The BBC has a new "Get By In" series, and they're not worth the money - they're glorified phrasebooks, and hard to use ones at that. Get these older micro-courses instead under the "Getting By In" banner. They're great.