Türkiye’s 2024 word of the year announced by national language institution

The Turkish Language Institution (TDK), in collaboration with Ankara University, has named “crowded loneliness” (kalabalik yalnizlik) as Türkiye’s 2024 word of the year.

Chosen through a public poll with nearly one million participants, the term reflects growing concerns about digital connectivity contributing to social isolation.

7 terms shortlisted for Türkiye’s 2024 word of the year competition

TDK partnered with Ankara University’s Communication Research and Application Center (ILAUM) to compile a list of seven terms evaluated by a committee of experts. These terms were then put to a public vote on TDK’s website.

The shortlisted words included:

• Crowded loneliness (kalabalik yalnizlik)
• Compassion (merhamet)
• Alienation (yabancilasma)
• Algorithm (algoritma)
• Corruption (yozlasma)
• Artificial intelligence (yapay zeka)
• Digital fatigue (dijital yorgunluk)

Among these, “crowded loneliness” emerged as the clear winner, becoming the word of the year for 2024.

Meaning, relevance of word of the year ‘crowded loneliness’ in modern society

The phrase “crowded loneliness” describes the paradox of feeling isolated even when surrounded by others. According to TDK’s evaluation committee, the term selected as the word of the year reflects significant societal trends observed in 2024.

Research shows a rising number of individuals experiencing loneliness in crowded settings. The seemingly contradictory ideas of ‘loneliness’ and ‘crowdedness’ coexist, creating a complex emotional and social phenomenon.

the committee explained

This phenomenon has been attributed to various sociological, psychological, and communication-related factors.

The committee explained that, while digital platforms offer wide-reaching networks, they often fail to address emotional needs, leaving individuals feeling more isolated.

How digital media, modern lifestyles contribute to feelings of isolation

TDK‘s analysis regarding the word of the year identified the role of digital media in amplifying the sense of loneliness. “Social media platforms emphasize metrics like follower counts and likes, creating an illusion of meaningful connection,” the committee observed.

“However, this illusion often deepens feelings of isolation rather than resolving them.” The transient nature of online interactions also contributes to a lack of fulfillment in relationships.

The assessment further noted that rapid urbanization and the fast pace of modern life weaken traditional social bonds. Increased mobility and diminished community ties make it difficult for people to build strong connections.

The committee emphasized that being physically surrounded by others—whether in crowded urban spaces or even within family environments—does not necessarily prevent feelings of loneliness.

‘How Türkiye gave the world its most beautiful word?’

The importance of Turkish words is not new. In 2007, the Turkish term yakamoz, meaning “the reflection of the moon on water,” was voted the “most beautiful word in the world” during a competition organized by Germany’s Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations.

Unlike many languages that require longer descriptions, yakamoz encapsulates this poetic concept in a single word. Other entries included the Chinese hu lu (to snore) and the African volongoto (meaning chaotic or disorderly).