Learn Turkish: Milyoner, yeni vakfa yardım edebilir mi? - Can the millionaire help the new foundation?

The root word is vakıf (foundation). When we add a suffix that starts with a vowel, like the dative suffix -a (to), the narrow vowel in the second syllable drops out. This is a common rule called vowel dropping. So, vakıf + -a smoothly becomes vakfa.

Why does vakfa take the dative case (-a) when in English we just say "help the foundation"?

In Turkish, the compound verb yardım etmek (to help) literally translates as "to do help." The person or thing being helped is treated as a receiver, so the logic is "to do help to someone." Because of this, the object of this verb always takes the dative case (-a or -e).

Why does the verb root change to ed- in edebilir?

The base verb is etmek (to do). When you attach a suffix that starts with a vowel, like the ability suffix -ebil (can), the hard t at the end of the root softens into a d. This consonant mutation happens almost every time you add a vowel suffix to etmek or gitmek (to go).

How do the suffixes in edebilir mi break down?