On the phrase structures used in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade Turkish language textbooks

Many studies have been carried out to identify to what extent the Turkish language textbooks, which are the most widespread, frequent and accessible means used to give a clear and concise idea about the structure of Turkish language, fulfill the teaching of mother tongue. In those studies, the case of determining the instructiveness of elementary school Turkish language textbooks has been scrutinized both in terms of content and teaching methods many times; however it is observed that Turkish language textbooks have never been examined syntactically in terms of phrase structures before. This study has been prepared to specify the structure, the kinds and the intended uses of the phrase structures used in Turkish language textbooks. The study begins with the definition, the kinds and the categorization differences of Turkish phrase structures; then it gives place to the findings and the intended uses of phrase structures in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade Turkish language textbooks. And as a conclusion, the books are evaluated along with the numerical results that have been obtained.Key Words: Teaching of mother tongue, syntax, phrase structures, Turkish language textbooks.