An Attempt for the Exploration of Academicians’ Experiences of the Standard Foreign Language Tests Held in Turkey through Metaphors

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore academicians’ perceptions and experiences about the public high-stakes Foreign Language Test(s) (YDS, formerly UDS, KPDS, and their counterparts in different times and contexts) used to measure foreign language proficiency in Turkey. For this purpose, data were collected from academicians with different titles, genders, and ages through a survey in which they were asked to complete the sentence “The FLT is like __________ for me because __________” with a one-or-two-word metaphor and a short sentence explaining their reason for the metaphor they choose. Of the over 2600 academicians the survey forms were sent to through an e-mail, 110 filled-in the forms. The data obtained were analyzed verbally and 34 different metaphors were collected. After the analysis of the metaphors, it was drawn that academicians generally have negative feelings and experiences about the foreign language test(s).