First, an announcement: published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng would like to host and judge a poetry contest open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest

We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.

Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome. Deadline for submissions will be in early March.

Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

A second announcement: poet and regular contributor J.J. Campbell has a new book out, to live your dreams.

From the back of the book: J.J. Campbell’s work is an unflinching look into a life spent alone with the bottle and the page readily at hand. It is raw, honest, and uncompromising in every sense of the word. You are keyed into the fact that this is a writer who doesn’t sugarcoat a single line to ever soften the blow. Campbell’s work is perfect in that sense, and in this newest collection, you are getting a writer at the top of his form.

Now, for our first issue of 2026. This issue explores what makes us who we are, physically and psychologically, as individuals and as communities and nations.

Nicholas Gunther explores what makes him human, where in his body his consciousness might be located. Kassandra Aguilera also speculates about her consciousness, considering what makes her feel alive.

Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso explores some Eastern and Western philosophical conceptions of what it means to live a conscious human life. Morley Cacoethes’ haikus also explore where and how we find inner wisdom and knowledge. Nilufar Mo’ydinova outlines themes of free will and the search for truth through experience in Goethe’s Faust.

Brian Michael Barbeito crafts a lyrical winter meditation on a person’s holding onto nature and his identity in an alienating new world. Satimboyeva Risolat echoes the importance of maintaining one’s personal values. Mahbub Alam urges people to draw on the wisdom they possess to make the world more just and healthier. Türkan Ergör considers the unpredictable nature of our lives and the need to choose kindness. Zeki Celic reminds us to make the most of the limited time we each have on earth as Stephen Jarrell Williams depicts characters choosing freedom, peace, and love.

Aliyeva Aziza Utkirovna points to the eyes as a place where humans reveal their inner feelings. Nurbek Norchayev’s evocative piece celebrates the power of poetry to convey emotion and sensibility. Aliyeva Zulaykho highlights the role of breath in vocal expression while reading texts.

Chloe Schoenfeld delves into Walter Gramatte’s painting of German artist, art historian, and social activist Rosa Schapire. She wonders how much of the craft of creating a likeness is about the subject and how much is about the associations the artist draws on to help them imagine and understand the person.

Shomurodova Dilafro’z Bahodir qizi explores approaches to Uzbek linguistics that focus more on the people creating texts rather than merely on the texts as isolated objects. Fayziyeva Hafiza Alisher qizi also looks at human life and culture’s influence upon languages.

J.K. Durick reflects on the seasons of life where we are observers, contemplating those around us or what has happened. Taylor Dibbert‘s poetic speaker considers his own role in the dissolution of his marriage. Bill Tope’s short story depicts family pulled apart, then back together, then apart again.

Dr. Jernail Singh urges parents to let their young adult children learn and work for their own dreams in life. Also, he reminds us to consider the legacies we leave behind for the rest of the world once we become successful enough to care for ourselves and our families. Tolqinova Marifatoi Shavkatjon qizi outlines research into approaches to social and vocational training for young adults.

Lan Qyqalla recollects his romance with his late wife as Adalat Eroglu versifies about a tender romance and Özcan İşler urges his love to remember him. Nasser Alshaikh Ahmed Arabia’s poetic mind wanders through the jasmine-scented depths and alleyways of love. Ramona Yolanda-Montiel considers an old and warm poncho as a sign of her family’s love. J.J. Campbell writes his way through another lonely, disillusioned holiday, wishing he had love and a close family.

Aleksandra Soltysiak wonders at gentle miracles at Christmas, within nature and within families. Gabriel Bates reflects on the ways he distracts and enjoys himself during holiday celebrations. S. Afrose sings of the joys of the Christmas season. Til Kumari Sharma highlights the beauty and value of the Christian faith at Christmas as Maja Milojkovic expresses gratitude to the archangel Michael. Kalipada Ghosh celebrates life, faith, love, and joy at the holiday season. Sardar Makhmudova’s short story shares how a little girl’s brave adventure lets her discover the meaning of the season, sharing love with others. Dr. Prasanna Kumar Dalai goes into poetic rapture about romantic love, world peace, and personal stillness.

Ahmed Miqdad laments the cold winter endured by Palestinian refugees in a call for global peace and justice. Pat Doyne reflects on the United States’ gun violence epidemic and the lack of progress to tackle it. Also, she speaks to the political chaos in America and its negative effects on consumer prices. Giulia Mozzati Zacco mourns the deaths of children in school shootings through the ancient form of the ghazal. Ziyoda Muradilova reflects on cultural pressures that social media has placed on the craft of journalism, to be fast, interactive, and appealing to readers, and how that poses challenges to the task of delivering truth.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou reminds us that true freedom is a society where people can live safely together, not merely the chance to serve ourselves at others’ expense. Dr. Jernail Singh reminds us that what goes around, comes around, both in terms of the legal system and the religious concept of karma. Duane Vorhees points out that concepts such as justice and poetry and perception should not remain purely abstract but carry practical meanings in the real world.

Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza considers how formal education taught him the facts of history, but poetry showed him how to survive it. Ruqaya Mehran, interviewed by poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou, discusses her work as a museum guide, influencer, and historian of ancient Egypt. Dylan Lloyd speaks to the emerging, burgeoning magic of creativity. Taro Hokkyo’s short story illustrates the power of self-belief in overcoming oppression and obstacles. Zaxina Tohirova highlights the lessons we can learn from failure and perseverance. Aziza Xasamova urges us through piercing prose not to give up, whatever happens in our lives.

Ahmed Farooq Baidoon revels in togetherness and merriment at the New Year. Kujtim Hajdari expresses high hopes and dreams for the New Year as Imran Khan moves forward into 2026 with optimism and Jacques Fleury tosses in his New Year wishes for all of our readers. Bruce Roberts contributes a splash of whimsy in his Wacky New Year poem. Valentina Yordanova’s poetry, translated by Yoana Konstantinova, reflects on the joy of Christmas and the self-reflection encouraged in the New Year as Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee marches forth into 2026 with hope and strength. JoyAnne O’Donnell renews her hopes and dreams as time marches forward. Argentinian poet Graciela Noemi Villaverde takes joy in her December 21st birthday, the summer solstice where she lives, and Fernando Jose Martinez Alderete reflects on nature’s rest and preparation for regrowth during winter.

Elza Hansen celebrates the maternal and paternal love at the heart of the Christmas holiday. Abu Rayhan Beruni connects the importance of strong families to a strong nation.

Dildora Khojyozova highlights the cultural renaissance of the nation of Uzbekistan as Diyorbek Elmirzayev looks at Uzbekistan’s increasing government debt as an outgrowth of economic growth and investments in modernization. Lolaxon Sodiqxonova highlights the importance of gender equality and initiatives to empower Uzbek women in economics and education. Dilshoda Nodir qizi Nurboboyeva presents strategies for educating and raising children without gender stereotypes. Priyanka Neogi urges women around the world to move forward with self-respect, creativity, and independence. Ashraf Al-Mismar provides a literary analysis of gender, identity, and migration in his novel Soul Shards.

Communication is integral to intercultural understanding and migration. Shaxriniso Savranboyeva outlines various approaches to translating idioms across languages and cultures. Saminjon Khakimov points to how language instructors can harness the phenomenon of code-switching, reverting to one’s native tongue, in the classroom. Abdurashidova Sabina Eldarovna highlights teen code-switching, from normal language to chat-speak and slang. Eshpo’latova Xilola highlights the role of audiovisual teaching aids in enhancing students’ foreign language acquisition. Ruziyeva Sitora outlines why and how English is still considered a global language as Ubaydullayeva Saodat discusses the role of English in international travel.

Abdullayeva Feruza suggests visual activities that help accentuate young children’s learning. Yusupov Otajon Ulug’bek ogli outlines various creative approaches to teaching and learning foreign languages. Gulsevar Amirqulova encourages teachers to practice and develop their own creativity as part of professional development. Jo’ranazova Dilobar Dilmurod qizi highlights different ways to teach young children their mother tongue. Nasulloyeva Feruzabonu expounds on the value of science and technology education for society in ways that go above and beyond the practical. Dr. Jernail Singh Anand urges society and our educational system to teach wisdom and the humanities rather than simply focusing on speeding up students’ financial success. Bahora Akmalova considers approaches to teaching preschool children social skills in a classroom setting. Rupa Rao interviews writing mentor Balachandran Nair about his work with emerging authors.

Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews Dr. Reda Abdel Rahim, inspector of Egyptian antiquities at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, about his work with artifacts of his nation’s past. Jeffrey Spahr-Summers’ digitally altered photographs glimpse a more recent past, giving homes and street scenes a hazy, nostalgic feel.

Sayani Mukherjee’s imagistic work explores nature, love, loss, and the concept of home. Natasha Leung draws on oceans and canoes as a metaphor for a couple who are separated all too often. Eleanor Hazel Hill reflects on physical mementos of summer fun. Yusufjonova O’gilxon revels in the chill pleasantries of winter. Soumen Roy looks to a river metaphor to express consistent flow, purpose, humility and resilience. Dr. Byeong-Cheol Kang evokes the resoluteness and strength of an eagle. Kujtim Hajdari highlights ecological themes in his review of Eva Petropoulou’s poetry. Axmadqulova Sapuraxon shares ideas for educating preschool children about the environment. A group of youth in China submits various short poems inspired by natural scenes. Alan Catlin patters out imagistic pieces inspired by various Japanese words for rain as O’rinboyeva Zarina speculates on life on a planet where rain is a rarity. Robert Beckvall reflects on his life’s winding path and how it deposited him on the lush big island of Hawaii. Mesfakus Salahin looks to the longer-lasting natural world for absolution from his complex memories. Riley Winters laments human exploitation of animals and the wilderness.

Mykyta Ryzhykh evokes the inextricable natures of life and death. Alyssa Trivett graphically renders the aftermath of a car accident. Nilufar Yoldoshova outlines similarities and differences between Uzbek and Korean funeral customs. Tea Russo’s work dramatizes the soul-killing effects of grief, loneliness, and shame. Gabriel Kang’s work exposes exploitation disguised as progress and love. Robin Beernaert outlines the psychological impact of a griever’s journey through poetry and prose.

Jessica Vanderwall composes an emotionally complex love letter to herself. Daniela Chourio-Soto reflects on the power of dreams to express and warn us about feelings in our waking lives. Joshua Obirija paints a lower-case portrait of the grief and lostness driving his writing.

Adrina Esparas-Hope crafts a graphic image of visceral love that could be a metaphor for creative pursuits. Brian Barbeito lets go of the need to understand everything before he can experience beauty and mystery. Texas Fontanella’s work revels in color and improvisation, reminiscent of jazz and electronica. Mark Young artistically alters geographical maps of checkerboards and Australian regions. Grant Guy intentionally erases parts of painted and typed texts as an artistic experiment. Zamira Moldiyeva Bahodirovna encourages readers and students to take up a refreshing and creative hobby. Federico Wardal explores the career and casting decisions of artists’ manager Adriano Aragozzini.

More practical fields can be creative as well. Shahlo Rustamova explores the role of discrete mathematics, particularly combinatorics, in understanding biological structures. Farangiz Musurmonova urges Uzbek accounting frameworks to match those of international professional standards. Medical student O’roqova Nargiza outlines the importance of salivary glands in the human body. Normurodova Salina Saitkulovna discusses how the medical field prepares for pandemics. Ahmedova Dilorom Mahmudovna highlights the progress of medical therapies for cancers caused by human papillomavirus.

We hope that this issue will inspire your creativity!

LENSES 

I was one with those voyeur stars; 

I had eyes and thought I could see 

through the hollow invisible NotSaids 

that keep the planet orderly. 

But “Orbit’s disjointed!” they say. 

I need a new optometrist 

“Magnifiers assemble the blaze! 

the noose rope already twists!

and our sky’s unconstellationed! 

we’re free to do within our chains! 

and we hold too fast to conditions! 

we must more dearly count the change!” 

So, should I rage 

or should I grieve 

in my omniscient grave? 

MOSQATHEDRAL 

(Roma/Mecca amalgaMates) 

You bachelors and spinsters: 

this Our, O disjoin us not, 

identitied opposites. 

Our Sames mediate Others. 

This Feast of the Unity 

of Captive Diversity. 

Summers harmonize winters. 

THOUGHT AND ACTION: 

the rise of Brit lit 

Pious poets would drink quicksilver despair: 

since Creation beggared imagination, 

they resignedly would abandon their craft. 

But secular old Petrarchus schooled Spencer, 

and Shakespeare knew, even while still in Avon, 

that, to surpass, he must teach his verse to act. 

JUST ONE = EITHER ONE

Impossibility:

like “a dove

can’t be,” disproved by just one sky.

Permanent is not eternal.

Now is not forever.

To circumstance adjust

frost, flood, dust,

Comdition isn’t definition.

Energy matters / matter energizes.

Conception itself conceives.

Is always was.

Life lives with no conception.

Posit amy sky

to prove

the dove’s

possibility

–or the crow’s

LAWS ARE THE CUCKOLDS, ALAS

1.

Laws

are to

lobbyists

as cuckolds 

to coquettes:

Effort and

ingredients

define all effects.

Law 

resembles

justice,

as cuckold

seems husband,

But

greatest counterfeit

can’t equal

or intend.

2.

Seduction

begins as a quest

abetted by a con

leading to conquest

3.

Experience

inverts

education:

The final test’s 

done first,

then the lessons.

4.

justice

stiffens into lawform

melts in passion’s heat

dissipates

back

into myst  ery

just/ice

…

PARENTAL LOVE 

Do you hear how the wind blows gems among the stars, when it blows away their brilliance? They are the diamonds from Bach’s Christmas oratorio and the kind of incense 

Which fills your soul’s house with infinity and their celestial light 

Tradition celebrates parental love through the birth of a divine nature 

There have always been altars in the Heavens, incomprehensible only to the family with a mother through the Holy Spirit 

But at Christmas, every year, in our human way, we celebrate the Father who came through the son to our earth 

The Son, Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, is the creative symphony itself, one with All that He created 

Light from Light, in the soul of every man, fractal-miraculous like love, instilled 

The miracle is not only in the one who forever “Is what Is” But also in the sacrifice of love, with which he gave a new message 

So let us understand the Son, as the part of the father who gave himself, to his other sons 

So much, Creation, He loved 

The unforgettable day

There is such a day when words become unnecessary

you touch someone’s shoulders

you are not ashamed of tears

then you understand more

than on other days of the year

the masks that hide resentments fall

it’s good that there is

such a unique day

a white communion wafer*

placed on hay

glows in the candlelight

then the Eternal One spreads love

without noise or advertising

then you do not shy away

From His touch

quiet and incomprehensible

Translated by Olga Smolnytska 

* In Polish tradition, on Christmas Eve, families share the Christmas communion wafer, which symbolizes love, unity, forgiveness and reconciliation between people. (The author’s note)

The Calling

I wandered, thinking off to the side

I tried to love

always imperfectly

an angel was shedding feathers

I didn’t see the signs

I understood very little

more and more questions are catching up with me

take my fear with your love

take me where nothing ever ends

silence becomes a melody

take me

Translated by Sr. Paula Drożdż

dewdrops

falling dewdrops

carelessly announced

their presence on the bench

wanted to arouse admiration

in a single moment in human

illuminated by the rays

of the rising sun

revealed a unity

split in two

Amazement

Filled the milieu 

Translated by Olga Smolnytska

Aleksandra Sołtysiak (Poland), graduate of the Catholic University of Lublin  and Jagiellonian University in Kraków. She has served as coeditor of the poetry anthology Dotyk nadzie (The Touch of Hope), which was translated into Ukrainian and German, as well as of the international anthology in support of world peace The tree of peace turns green / European poetry for universal harmony, which has been translated into Polish and English. She i also the author Hope blossoms longer and the published poetry volume „Spilled from the cases”. Finalist in the fourth International Poetry Contest, „Voices in the Wilderness” held in Rome (2022). She publishes nationally and internationally. She has also been awarded the Gold Cross of Merit by Polish president Andrzej Duda. In 2023 distinguished with a medal for Merit to Polish Culture.Information about the translator:Olga Smolnytska,  (Ukraine), PhD, writer, artist, literary critic.

Problems of Writing Idioms and Phraseological Expressions
Samarqand davlat chet tillari instituti 2414-guruh talabasi

Savranboyeva Shaxriniso Xosilboy qizi
Ingliz tili o’qitish metodikasi kafedrasi katta o’qituvchisi
T.Y.Mukarramxodjayeva

Annotation:
This article discusses the main challenges in translating English idioms and phraseological expressions. Cultural connotations, contextual equivalence, translators’ competence and semantic transfer are examined. The study also provides
practical examples of different translations, adaptation and calquing.
Keywords: idioms, phraseological expressions, translation strategies, cultural equivalence, semantic shift

Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqolada ingliz tilidagi ibora va frazeologik birliklarni tarjima qilish jarayonida uchraydigan asosiy muommolar yoritilgan. Idiomlarning milliy-maaniy konnotatsiyasi, kontekstga mos keluvchi ekvivalent tanlash, tarjimon kompetensiyasi hamda ma’no ko’chish jarayoni tahlil qilinadi. Shuningdek, maqolada idiomlarnitarjima qilishning ekvivalent, tavsifiy, adaptiv va kalkalash
usullari misollar orqali ko’rsatib berilgan.

Kalit so’zlar: Idiomalar, frazeologizmlar, tarjima usullari, madaniy ekvivalentlik, ma’no ko’chish.

Аннотация:
В данной статье рассматриваются основные проблемы перевода английских идиом и фразеологических выражений. Анализируются культурная коннотация, выбор адекватного эквивалента, роль переводческой компетентности и особенности семантического переноса. Приводятся примеры и методы перевода: эквивалентный, описательный, адаптивный и
калькирование.

Ключевые слова:
идиомы, фразеологизмы, переводческие стратегии, культурная
эквивалентность, семантический перенос.

Language is not simply a system of grammar and vocabulary; it also contains deep cultural meanings embedded within idioms and phraseological expressions. Idioms are stable expressions whose meanings cannot be derived from the literal meanings of their components. For example, the English idiom “to kick the
bucket” does not refer to kicking a physical bucket but means to die.

Translating
such expressions is one of the most challenging tasks for translators, because idioms often reflect the history, humor, worldview, and national mentality of the people who use them. Many idioms are rooted in cultural traditions, folklore, religion or geography.

For example: Idiom Literal Meaning Cultural Note Break
a leg! It’s raining cats and dogs. In Uzbek culture, similar meanings may be conveyed with completely different imagery. Thus, direct translation often fails to convey meaning.

Main Problems in Translating Idioms

1.Lack of Direct Equivalents
Not all idioms have ready –made equivalents in the target language. Example: To spill the beans- meaning “ sirni oshkor qilish” There is no identical idiom in Uzbek, so a descriptive translation is required.

2. Cultural Differences
   Idioms may refer to cultural symbols unfamiliar to the target audience. Example:
   A piece of cake –“ juda oson ish”. The metaphor is culinary and may not carry the same emotional color in another culture.
3. Polysemy and Context Sensitivity
   Some idioms change meaning depending on context. Example: To break the ice may mean: Muzni sindirish(literal). Suhbatni boshlash (figurative)
4. Translator’s Competence
   A translator must know the idiom’s figurative meaning. Choose appropriate translation method. Maintain emotional tone and stylistic register. Why idioms are hard to translate: core problems.
   Why translating idioms are so difficult: Non-compositionality: The central difficulty is that the meaning of an idiom is not recoverable by a simple combination of constituent meanings. Word-for-word translation often fails.

Cultural specificity: Many idioms encode cultural knowledge, institutions, or historical references (e.g, white elephant in English refers to a burdensome possession). When SL cuture lacks an equivalent, literal translation may confuse.
Fixedness and syntactic constraints: Idioms often resist grammatical manipulation: kick the bucket cannot easily become the bucket was kicked without idiomatic loss. Some PU s have slots for variation- understanding which are fixed affects translation choice.
Polysemy and pragmatic uses: Idioms can have different senses depending on context (literal or figurative). A translator must determine whether the idiom is used metaphorically, sarcastically, humorously, or literally.

Register, connotation, and collocational patterns: Idioms carry register (formal/informal), affective tone, and collocational constraints. Choosing an equivalent must preserve register and pragmatic force.
Intertextually and stylistic function: In literature, idioms contribute to voice, characterization, rhythm and style. Translating them affects authorial voice.

Multiple idioms and layered metaphors: Some utterances combine several idioms or metaphors, complicating analysis and translation.
Translation strategies – comprehensive discussion: Below is an extended taxonomy of strategies, each described with strengths, weaknesses, and guidance on when to use it.

Literal translation: Description: Translate each word or morpheme directly. When to use: Rarely — when the idiom is transparent and compositionally interpretable in TL, or when a literal rendering is acceptable for stylistic reasons (e.g., deliberate foreignness). Pros: Preserves SL imagery and form; can be useful in poetic or
didactic contexts. Cons: Risk of incomprehension or unintended meaning shift.

Idiomatic equivalent (naturalization): Description: Replace SL idiom with a TL idiom that conveys the same pragmatic function and connotation. When to use:
Preferred when a close TL idiom exists and preserves register and effect. Calque (loan translation): Description: Translate the components literally but keep the structure; i.e., borrow the expression as a transparent compound in TL (e.g., skyscraper calqued into other languages historically). When to use: If TL readers
can easily parse the calque or when introducing a new term. Pros: Preserves SL conceptual metaphor. Cons: Can be awkward or unintelligible; may feel foreign.

Modulation: Description: Change the semantic point of view, focus, or category to express the same idea differently (Vinay & Darbelnet). Example: SL He has a green thumb → TL He is good at gardening (modulating to ability). When to use: When no idiomatic equivalent exists and literal translation fails; especially useful in technical or explanatory texts. Pros: Conveys intended meaning clearly.

Substitution / Cultural substitution: Description: Replace a culturally specific referent with a culturally equivalent referent in TL (e.g., Thanksgiving dinner may become a locally analogous festival meal if context allows). When to use: When cultural equivalence preserves communicative effect and readers lack SL cultural knowledge. Pros: Enhances reader relevance and comprehension. Cons: Risks
altering historical or geographical specificity.

Paraphrase / Explication:
Description: Explain the idiom’s meaning in more words instead of rendering it idiomatically. When to use: When accuracy is paramount and no concise equivalent exists (legal, technical, explanatory translation). Pros: Ensures understanding. Cons: Disrupts rhythm and may reduce stylistic density.

Omission: Description: Omit the idiom if it is redundant or its sense can be inferred from context. When to use: Rare and risky — useful when compression is necessary and the idiom adds little. Pros: Concise. Cons: Loss of nuance or humour.

Addition / Compensation: Description: Add information elsewhere in the text to compensate for loss of meaning when a direct equivalent is infeasible. When to use: When necessary to preserve meaning, tone, or cultural reference across that text. Pros: Restores balance across the translation. Cons: Can be intrusive if overused.

Borrowing: Description: Keep the SL idiom in the TL (possibly italicized) and provide gloss or explanation. When to use: When the idiom is iconic, untranslatable, or when foreign flavor is desirable. Pros: Preserves SL identity and cultural reference. Cons: May confuse readers unfamiliar with SL.

Creative adaptation / Transcreation: Description: Recreate the effect, humor, or imagery using a fresh TL expression that captures the same function, sometimes inventing a new idiom-like phrasing. When to use: Advertising, literary translation, or when preserving impact is more important than literal equivalence. Pros: Preserves rhetorical and emotional effect.

Syntactic transformation: Description: Modify sentence structure to accommodate TL idiomatic patterns (e.g., changing
active to passive or altering word order). When to use: When structural differences between languages hinder idiomatic rendering. Pros: Improves fluency and readability. Cons: Risk of losing focus or emphasis.

Worked examples and comparative analyses. Below are examples showing analysis and strategy choice. Each example includes SL sentence, literal rendering, recommended TL rendering, and justification.

Example 1

SL (English): She finally bit the bullet and applied for the job. Literal word-for-word (bad). (Uzbek literal translation keeps the image but confuses.)

Recommended strategy: Idiomatic equivalent or Paraphrase. TL (Uzbek) idiomatic equivalent: (“took courage”) Justification: Preserves pragmatic force (reluctant decision) without confusing the TL reader.

Example 2
SL (English): He felt like a fish out of water at the wedding. Literal (bad). Justification: Focuses on the feeling rather than preserving fish image.

Example 3
SL: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Strategy: Equivalent proverb if exists in TL; else Paraphrase. (If exact proverb absent, paraphrase the advice.)

Example 4
SL: “He spilled the beans and let the cat out of the bag.” (two idioms for same meaning: reveal secrets) Strategy: Condense into one idiom or paraphrase; use compensation. TL example: (“revealed the secret”) Justification: Keeps meaning without awkward double metaphors.

Example 5
SL (English): He kept his cards close to his chest. (implies strategic silence) Strategy: Find TL idiom with same connotation or use transcreation. Potential TL: Justification: Preserves register and implied secrecy.

Idioms and phraseological expressions pose translation challenges across semantics, culture, syntax, and pragmatics. No single strategy fits all cases.

Translators must combine linguistic analysis, cultural knowledge, and creative thinking and problem-solving. The taxonomy presented here helps decide among literal translation, idiomatic equivalents, calque, modulation, paraphrase, borrowing, omission, and transcreation. Good practice includes careful context analysis, corpus support, and documentation of translation choices.

References:

1. Baker, M. (1992). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge.
2. Mukaramxodjayeva T.Y. “Ingliz va o ‘zbek tilidagi so‘zlashuv
   frazeologizmlarining lingvomadaniy xususiyatlari”//Yangi O’zbekiston
   taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o’rni va rivojlanish omillari Respublika ilmiy
   anjumani, Vol. 40 No. 1 (2025)
3. Vinay, J.-P., & Darbelnet, J. (1995). Comparative Stylistics of French and English (transl. J.C. Sager & M.-J. Hamel). John Benjamins. [Original work 1958]
4. Mukaramxodjayeva T.Y. “Interlingual Phraseological Equivalents and Analogies” Best journal of innovation in science, research and development, New York, NY 10009, United States, Volume 4 Issue 40, 2025
5. Mukaramxodjayeva T.Y., Furqatova M. “O‘zbek va ingliz tilidagi maqollarning o‘xshash va farqli jihatlari” Education and research in the era of digital.,Xalqaro ilmiy anjuman vol1. N1., mart 2025
6. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall.
7. Fernando, C. (1996). Idioms and Idiomaticity. Oxford University Press. Nunberg, G., Sag, I. A., &Wasow, T. (1994). Idioms. Language

To Archangel Michael 

To You, exalted Angel, 

I pray and give thanks even in happiness. 

Your eyes are a path, 

your eyes are deep as the ocean. 

Your sword is sharp,

cutting through all knots, 

all pain and injustice. 

Your wings are my protection — 

with them, mercifully and without touch, 

you embraced my soul. 

You have your army, 

your path is the path of righteousness. 

You granted me mercy 

which I open only in the secrecy of the heart. 

Last night, Your feather touched me, 

sent through a guide — 

it makes incisions, 

it hurts, yet it liberates. 

My words flew like comets 

in different directions, 

seeking forgiveness. 

Your words of comfort 

guarded my secrets. 

My heart is a witness 

that coincidences do not exist: 

with every wound there is a healer, 

with every tear — a hand holding a handkerchief, 

with every cry — a word of solace. 

I know You protect me. 

I know that when I wish to fall asleep, 

Your prayer 

becomes a call to awakening.

Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar and divides her life between Serbia and Denmark. In Serbia, she serves as the deputy editor-in-chief at the publishing house Sfairos in Belgrade. She is also the founder and vice president of the Rtanj and Mesečev Poets’ Circle, which counts 800 members, and the editor-in-chief of the international e-magazine Area Felix, a bilingual Serbian-English publication. She writes literary reviews, and as a poet, she is represented in numerous domestic and international literary magazines, anthologies, and electronic media. Some of her poems are also available on the YouTube platform. Maja Milojković has won many international awards. She is an active member of various associations and organizations advocating for peace in the world, animal protection, and the fight against racism. She is the author of two books: Mesečev krug (Moon Circle) and Drveće Želje (Trees of Desire). She is one of the founders of the first mixed-gender club Area Felix from Zaječar, Serbia, and is currently a member of the same club. She is a member of the literary club Zlatno Pero from Knjaževac, and the association of writers and artists Gorski Vidici from Podgorica, Montenegro.

Christmas Greetings

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

Merry Christmas to everyone around the World!

The Christmas spirit has embraced us with Joy…

And even though it is Winter – let us chase away the cold,

let us welcome Love into our hearts!

Let us turn our backs on hatred, indifference, and sorrow –

let us give hugs freely, expecting nothing in return!

With good deeds from people with “golden” hearts,

let us lend a hand to the weak in need and distress!

Let us paint a radiant Christmas rainbow

from colors – gifts and fairy-tale miracles.

With Faith, let us welcome Christmas at home,

and with Hope, strengthen our destiny!

Let us wipe bitter tears from troubled faces

and light the hearth with the torch of Kindness.

May Christ’s shining star illuminate us,

may we set a festive – abundant table!

May Christmas fulfill our deepest dreams!

May it “spread” health to faraway lands!

May a miracle happen – may the sick find healing

and be reborn as healthy, new people!

Happiness, prosperity, good fortune,

love, kindness, abundance –

for every family around the World,

may warmth and comfort reign in their homes!

At Christmas, miracles do happen…

Rejoice in the little things!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova

Let It Be Christmas!

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

Christmas is a bright and joyful holiday

for young and old, everywhere around the world.

In its embrace we will find love,

with a radiant star shining hope for us.

Christmas is family comfort and warmth!

A festive table and a gentle glance!

A friendly greeting, an outstretched hand!

At Christmas, things happen… Believe in miracles!

May everyone find good fortune beneath the tree!

May their most cherished dreams come true!

May their thoughts take flight and roam freely afar!

May they build a new and different world for themselves!

May peace and happiness blossom within it!

May their future days be festive and bright!

May Christ’s light illuminate them everywhere!

May their path be bright in dark and cloudy days!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova

Christmas Message

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

On the white, holy Christmas night –

may our souls overflow with splendor!

Let us find and follow the path of Kindness,

opening the doors of our hearts to good deeds!

Let us extend a hand to our neighbor in need!

Strengthen their life with Power and Love!

May everyone feel warmth from someone!

Let us sow Faith and Joy along their path!

And may everyone receive, with good fortune,

all that their soul longs for, shedding tears of desire!

Christmas magic is Love! It fulfills fairy-tale miracles…

It is Hope… Through it, we will transform the world!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova

With Hope Toward the New Year

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

Another year of our lives is coming to an end,

and each of us walked along different paths.

For some it was crystal cold – the winter season,

for others a southern breeze – spring passed by.

Some walked rocky and muddy roads.

Others laughed loudly on a red carpet.

Cries for help, pleas for health, and sorrowful prayers

crashed loudly somewhere against roadside cliffs.

Before the eyes of Happiness and Love,

people of Joy and beautiful Destiny,

visibly smiling, radiant, cheerful faces,

quietly envied somewhere by someone unseen.

Throughout the year we cried, laughed, and celebrated.

We mourned and painfully said goodbye to loved ones.

We loved, respected, and admired beauty.

We walked on and traveled to distant journeys.

Sometimes we feared the unknown of Life.

We scattered and lost glances and smiles in pain.

We were, we would be, we remained – we hoped in Fate.

We saw, waited, reached out a hand, and forgave.

We dreamed, turned away, yet strongly desired.

We were not always ourselves and sometimes gave up.

We fearlessly conquered high peaks,

but with our falls, we waved the white flag.

Helplessly, we tangled ourselves in Life’s web.

We sold our self-trust dearly.

We counted our mistakes twice before ourselves,

took stock and learned our lesson.

In past days we were forced to slow our steps,

yet toward the Future we ran tirelessly with all our strength.

And now, proudly standing before our threshold,

the New Year awaits us silently with sparkling eyes.

At midnight we will open the door for it,

hoping it brings luck and warmth.

With Hope that it will be better than the old one,

and that Happiness will be found as a gift beneath the tree.

Let us raise a toast and wish for all those things

our souls need the most!

Let us capture the moment with a lens and preserve it in a photo,

which one day, framed, will revive a memory!

May we be healthy, happy, and kind in our thoughts!

Loved, trustworthy, and with cherished dreams!

May God bless the childless with a child!

May He grant health from the heart to the sick!

May He inspire strength and courage in the weak!

May the poor never fall into hunger!

May children’s laughter carry far on the wind!

May everyone have shelter – a home of their own!

May there be Peace on Earth and calm in the soul!

May our hearts be pure – with Love and Kindness!

And may God hear our prayers… and bless us!

Let us pray in church with bowed heads!

From now on, may things go smoothly for us!

Let us believe in Life with fulfilled dreams!

To see, without pain… without bitterness…

May everything around us shine for us!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova