Essay from G’afforova Hadichaxon

Young Central Asian teen girl with long dark hair, brown eyes, small earrings, and a white collared shirt.

An Analysis of the Interrelationship Between Human Psychology and the Process of Language Learning                                                                                      

G`afforova Hadichaxon Abduhamid qizi  –  student of English philology faculty of Uzbekistan  State World Language University                                                                                      

E-mail: gafforovaxadicha5@gmail.com

Annotation: The article provides information about the connection between learning foreign languages and human psychology, and recommends principles to effectively leverage the interplay between these two factors. It highlights experts’ opinions on the integral connection between the language and the psyche. Additionally, it discusses the psychological challenges encountered during the process of improving language proficiency and exploring their underlying causes. The organic connection between language learning and human psychology is such that progress in one area can significantly impact the other, leading to either mutual development or stagnation. As they are inseparable, this fundamental principle should be emphasized in any linguistics curriculum. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate to young learners that high levels of language proficiency are achievable with a healthy mindset. It aims to reframe language learning not merely as the study of grammatical rules, but as an engaging and enjoyable pursuit. 

Introduction: Learning a foreign language is one of the most fascinating and challenging processes in human education. It goes far beyond the simple memorization of words and grammar rules. In fact, language learning is a deeply psychological process, involving emotions, motivation, attitudes, memory, personality, and social interaction. Every learner brings unique psychological characteristics to the classroom and these differences often determine success or failure more than intellectual ability alone. In recent decades, linguists and psychologists have increasingly worked together to understand how mental and emotional factors influence the ability to learn languages.

According to research by Gardner and Lambert (1972), psychological variables such as motivation and attitude play a more significant role than linguistic attitude in predicting achievement. Furthermore, modern statistics support this view: studies show that over 60% of learners who maintain strong motivation and confidence during  a year-long language course achieve fluency faster than those with similar intellectual abilities , but lower psychological readiness .In this article, I will explain how psychology influences language learning, the major psychological factors involved, the common problems learners face, and practical solutions to overcome these barriers. Understanding the role of psychology allows both teachers and learners to approach language acquisition more effectively and with greater emotional balance. Among all psychological factors, motivation is often described as the most powerful predictor of success. A motivated student studies longer, practices more often, and shows greater persistence in the face of difficulty.

Psychologists differentiate between intrinsic motivation—which comes from genuine interest and personal satisfaction—and extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external rewards like grades or job opportunities. For example, a learner who studies English because they want to travel or communicate with people worldwide is more likely to stay committed than one who learns it only to pass an exam. A 2020 study by the British Council found that 72% of high-achieving language learners reported strong intrinsic motivation as their main reason for success.  Many students lose motivation after the initial excitement fades, especially when they face grammar challenges or slow progress. Teachers and learners can set small, achievable goals, such as learning 10 new words per day or completing one short conversation each week. Celebrating small victories keeps motivation alive. Attitude towards the target language and its culture is another vital factor. Learners who respect and value the culture of the language they study are more open to new theories, pronunciation, and communication styles. In contrast, negative attitudes — such as believing a language is “too difficult” or “useless” — create emotional resistance.

Research by Dörnyei (2005) indicates that a positive cultural attitude increases learning efficiency by nearly 40% because it helps students engage more deeply with real-life materials like music, movies, and conversations. When balancing language learning with psychology human beings can face several problems. For instance, many learners view language as an academic subject rather than a living form of culture. This limits emotional connection. To address this problem  exposure to cultural content — films, songs, literature  or interactions with native speakers — develops empathy and cultural curiosity, which in turn improve learning motivation and understanding.

Language anxiety is one of the biggest psychological barriers. Many learners feel nervous, shy, or afraid of making mistakes when speaking a foreign language. This fear can block memory recall and reduce performance. For example,  Horwitz (1986) described language anxiety as a “specific situational fear” that negatively affects communication. Surveys show that around 40–50% of language learners experience moderate to high levels of speaking anxiety, especially during oral exams or public speaking. High anxiety levels lead to avoidance of practice, slower progress, and lower self-esteem.

Another major problem is that students often believe that mistakes mean failure, which prevents them from taking risks and communicating freely. To solve this issue, creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment is essential. Teachers should praise effort, not just accuracy, and students should view mistakes as natural steps in learning. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness can also reduce stress before speaking tasks. Each learner’s personality affects how they approach learning. Extroverts usually perform better in speaking and listening because they enjoy interaction, while introverts often excel in writing and reading since they prefer reflection and concentration. However, personality does not determine success; it only shapes the learning path. I think both extroverted and introverted learners can achieve fluency if they use strategies that fit their character. In addition to this, learners may feel pressured to behave differently from their natural style — for instance, introverts being forced to speak constantly in class. In order to address this problem teachers should apply differentiated teaching methods — offering both group discussions for extroverts and reflective writing for introverts.

Understanding one’s own learning style helps learners study more comfortably and effectively. Beyond these personal learning styles, successful language acquisition also relies on core cognitive functions, with memory being the most fundamental. Language learning heavily depends on memory — the ability to store, organize, and recall vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation patterns. According to cognitive psychology, memory works best through association and repetition. For instance, learners remember words better when they connect them to personal experiences, images, or emotions. A 2019 study from Cambridge University showed that students who used emotional association techniques remembered 35% more vocabulary after two weeks than those who relied on rote memorization.  Many learners forget new words quickly or cannot use them in context. Applying spaced repetition systems (SRS), using flashcards, and practicing words in meaningful sentences helps transfer knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. Teachers can also encourage learners to apply new words immediately in writing or conversation to reinforce memory connection.

However, memory does not operate in a vacuum. Its effectiveness is deeply intertwined with our emotional state, which can either enhance or hinder our ability to learn.  Emotions directly influence how the brain processes new information. When students feel relaxed, curious, or happy, their cognitive performance improves significantly. Positive emotions increase dopamine levels in the brain, which strengthens focus and memory formation. According to neuroscience research by Immordino-Yang (2016), emotionally engaged students perform up to 30% better in language comprehension tasks. On the other hand, boredom, fear, or humiliation can block learning and reduce creativity. In many traditional classrooms, emotional needs are ignored, and the focus remains only on test performance.

Teachers can create a positive classroom atmosphere by including humor, encouragement, and interactive activities. Group projects, games, and storytelling promote enjoyment and emotional connection, making language learning feel more natural and rewarding. Language learning can also lead to deeper psychological issues like low self-esteem, perfectionism, or burnout. Some learners compare themselves to others and feel inferior if they progress more slowly. Others push themselves too hard and lose interest. Learners who constantly doubt their ability tend to avoid practice. Teachers can introduce peer support activities, where students work in pairs or small groups, encouraging each other’s progress.

Trying to speak perfectly often leads to silence and frustration. Instead, learners should focus on communication, not perfection. Real language use involves small mistakes, and fluency grows with experience, not fear. Too much study pressure without emotional rest causes exhaustion. Including breaks, fun materials, and self-care routines keeps learning balanced and sustainable. Teachers are not only language instructors but also psychological guides. Their attitude, feedback, and classroom management shape how students feel about learning. Research shows that teacher support increases student confidence and motivation by up to 45% (Ryan&Deci, 2017). Effective teachers use positive reinforcement, provide constructive feedback, and model emotional resilience. When students see their teacher as friendly and understanding, they become more willing to take risks and speak openly. Moreover, teachers can help learners set realistic goals, reflect on their progress, and develop self-regulation strategies. In this way, education becomes not only linguistic but also psychological growth.

Conclusion:In conclusion, whether it is nurtured by an insightful teacher or managed through self-awareness, the essential role of psychology in language learning is undeniable. The process of mastering a new language is not simply an intellectual challenge — it is an emotional and personal journey. Motivation drives effort, attitude shapes openness, confidence removes fear, and emotions determine memory strength. By understanding the psychological dimensions of learning, teachers and learners can transform frustration into progress. Encouraging positive emotions, cultural curiosity, and self-belief can dramatically improve results. As statistics and research continue to show, psychological readiness often determines success more than linguistic ability itself. Ultimately, to learn a language is to understand not only new words but also oneself. Psychology gives us the tools to make that journey deeper, more meaningful, and more successful.

Reference: 1. Robert C. Gardner va Wallace E. Lambert – Attitudes and Motivation in Second-Language Learning (1972). Rowley, MA: Newbury House. 2. Gardner, R. C., & Lambert, W. E. – Motivational Variables in Second-Language Acquisition. Canadian Journal of Psychology, 13(4), 1959. 

https://publish.uwo.ca/~gardner/docs/phd.pdf3.

Zoltán Dörnyei – “The Internal Structure of Language Learning Motivation and Its Relationship with Language Choice and Learning Effort.” The Modern Language Journal, 89(1), 2005. 4.Mary Helen Immordino‑Yang – Emotions, Learning, and the Brain: Exploring the Educational Implications of Affective Neuroscience. W. W. Norton & Co., 2015/2016. “Times Higher Education” 2016. 5. Mantiri, O. – “Key to Language Learning Success.” Journal of Arts and Humanities, v4 (1).

G’afforova Hadichaxon was born on November 1, 2007, in Beshariq district, Fergana region. She is currently a first-year student at the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages.

Poetry from Lakshmi Kant Mukul

Middle aged South Asian man with short dark hair, clean shaven, white tee shirt.

First Flight 

The plane races along the runway 

like a blue-eyed stag bounding step by step, 

its beak raised, wings unfurled, 

rising straight into the sky. 

Through the window— 

high-rises, trees, roads, 

shrinking into toy-like shapes, 

fields spreading like flat plates, 

ponds boxed into tiny squares, 

sheep and goats no bigger than ants. 

The earth recedes behind 

as the aircraft tilts its wings 

to take a sudden turn— 

just as we stray off a path 

onto some slanting trail, 

towards Fork, towards trail. 

At thirty-three thousand feet 

I peer downward into the haze: 

black mist hides winding threads, 

surely they are rivers, 

holding in their flow 

the innocence of our hearts. 

Clouds appear— 

flower-clusters, white, azure, 

soft as carded cotton; 

hills draped in blue veils of mist, 

summits locked in embrace with drifting vapors, 

and far beyond— 

snow-mountains, ascetic, still, 

their serenity like sages in meditation. 

Overhead stretch white canopies of cloud, 

and when the plane strikes them 

its wings glisten, damp, 

as if even the passengers’ souls 

had been washed in a secret rain. 

Then—enter the air hostesses, 

voices honeyed, 

words spilling with laughter— 

smiling lips, eyes alive, 

whispering through the hush of turbines, 

fragrant as fresh jasmine. 

At night, midair, 

I glance below— 

scattered glimmers blink back, 

like stars shining 

from the depths of earth itself. 

Descending into darkness, 

the city spreads in long-shot frames: 

a dazzle of lights, 

shimmering, blinding, 

pulling you into wonder, 

but also planting 

an unfamiliar dread, 

like a lone wayfarer on a highway 

who, hearing a vehicle thunder close behind,

instinctively edges 

toward the safety of the curb.

Lakshmi Kant Mukul is an Indian writer, poet, critic, rural historian and serious scholar of folk culture, born on 08 January 1973 in a rural family in Maira village, District Rohtas, Bihar province, India. His literary journey began in 1993 as a Hindi poet and since then, he has published three books in Hindi and has been published in more than two dozen anthologies and hundreds of journals. Apart from Hindi, he also writes extensively in Urdu and Bhojpuri and also translates them into English himself. His two published poetry collections are- “Lal Chonch Wale Panchhi” and “Ghis Raha Hai Dhan Ka Katora”. His published book on rural and local history is- “Yatrion Ke Najriye Mein Shahabad”. He has received many awards for his work, including Aarambh Samman for his poetry writing in Hindi language, the prestigious Hindi Sevi Samman of Bihar Hindi Sahitya Sammelan. His English poetry has been published in many international anthologies and translated into many languages. The notable achievements of his literary career are – recognition as a farmer poet and expertise on the changes taking place in the rural environment in the global era. Having studied law, he has adopted the modern style of farming. postal address -LAKSHMI KANT MUKUL Village _ Maira, PO _ Saisar, SO _ Dhansoi, Buxar, Bihar [ INDIA] Mob.no._6202077236 Postcode – 802117 Email – kvimukul12111@gmail.com mob.no

Essay from Gulizebo Matniyozova Adilbek

SELF-IMPROVEMENT – THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Student of Urgench Ranch University of Technologies, Faculty of English Philology

The greatest victory in life is not over others – it is the victory over yourself. Every person holds within them limitless potential and hidden strength. Yet, this power can only be awakened through one decision — the decision to work on yourself. No one can change you better than you can.

We live in a rapidly changing world. Those who stop improving are left behind. Success is never an accident — it is built through patience, discipline, and endless hard work. Change begins within. Many people dream of changing their lives, but only a few have the courage to start by changing themselves. Real transformation begins within the mind. Once you change your thoughts, you change your destiny.

Success is not about being perfect. It is about being a little better than you were yesterday. Every small step forward is a part of a bigger victory. My family – my source of strength. My family is the biggest source of inspiration in my life. We are a large family of twelve — my parents, five sons, and five daughters. I am the fifth child, followed by five younger brothers.

My parents have devoted their lives to us. They sacrificed their own comfort so that we could study, learn, and grow. Their love, patience, and belief in us are the foundation of who I am today. Every success I achieve is a way of honoring their sacrifices. My parents have taught me an important lesson: “Never give up, work hard, and fight for your dreams.”

Who am I? I am Gulizebo Matniyozova Adilbek qizi, born on June 22, 2006, in Khiva city, Ichan Qala, Pahlavon Mahmud Street, Uzbekistan. I am currently a first-year student of English Philology at Urgench Ranch University of Technologies. Since childhood, I have been in love with books. Every story I read opened a new world, a new thought, and a new dream. That is why I aspire to become a professional translator, to bring the beauty of Uzbek literature to the world, and to introduce world literature to my people.

Self-improvement – a philosophy of life

Self-improvement is not only about learning; it is about living. It is about growing a little more every day, keeping faith even when it’s hard, and never stopping the pursuit of your dreams. Some people wait for opportunities. Others create them. I choose to create mine — with courage, persistence, and hope.

Conclusion

Self-improvement is not only the key to success — it is the essence of a meaningful life. Those who master themselves can master their destiny. I believe that every young person who works hard on self-development will one day shine as a bright star of the future.

And I, too, am walking that path — learning, dreaming, and striving — because I know a simple truth:✨ Those who work hard never lose.

Matniyozova Gulizebo was born on June 22, 2006, in Khiva city, Uzbekistan. She lives in Ichan Qala, Pahlavon Mahmud Street, house number 92. She is a first-year student at Urgench Branch of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies, majoring in English Philology. Gulizebo is hardworking and ambitious. Her dream is to become a professional English teacher and translator in the future.

Poetry from Eleanor Hill

the counter claws at the brims of my ankles

rupturing the soles of my feet, ebbing at my toes

almost there, i push my feet further into the shoe

shatters like ice, a menacing web of starburst, gasp

my foot plummets to the floor as the heel splinters

and a gelatinous liquid oozes from crimson gashes

dripping onto the fractures of the shoe like teardrops

ichor spreads, sliding over the cracked web of glass

staring at the jagged remains of a shoe, in cold

the spot light shuts, and the curtains abruptly fall

leaving me in the dark with my mercyless thoughts

only one word slips from my fragmented lips, “why?”

tracing my round fingers over the feet i had cut, too fit

into the shoes that were supposedly fit for me,

Poetry from Sobirjonova Rayhona


Photo shows a young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair in a bun, a white collared shirt and black coat.

To My Beloved Teacher

(Dedicated to my teacher, Rajabova Sadoqat)

This world is but a fleeting dream,

A moment’s spark, a passing gleam.

Yet in this life so swift, so small,

You shine — a blessing to us all.

You brought the light where shadows lay,

You lit our minds, you shaped our way.

O dearest teacher, gentle, wise,

May peace forever fill your skies.

You gave us more than words could say,

Your time, your care, your heart each day.

You left your home, your rest, your part —

To warm the world with your pure heart.

Your every word — a golden tone,

Your every glance — compassion shown.

Among all teachers, you stand apart,

With prayer and love in every heart.

No poet’s pen could quite define

The grace that in your eyes does shine.

Each day we feel your tender art —

Your kindness lives in every heart.

At your soft call, we run, we race,

To see your smile, your gentle face.

In every class, your spirit’s near,

Our hearts rejoice — we feel you here.

May God preserve your days and years,

Protect your path, erase your fears.

May joy and health forever stay,

And blessings light your every day.

A thousand thanks I raise to you,

For all you gave, for all you do.

May Heaven guard, with mercy deep,

The soul whose love we’ll always keep.

Rayhona Sobirjonova💞Sadoqat Rajabova

Sobirjonova Rayhona, a 11th-grade student of the 8th general secondary school in Vobkent district, Bukhara region. She was born in December 2008 in the village of Cho’rikalon, Vobkent district, in a family of intellectuals. Her parents supported her from a young age.  She started writing in the 3rd grade. Her first creative poem was published in the newspaper “Vobkent Hayot”. She has also published extensively in Synchronized Chaos Magazine, India’s Namaste India Magazine, Gulkhan Magazine, Germany’s RavenCage Magazine and many other magazines and newspapers.  She has actively participated in many competitions, won high places and won many prizes, and she is still busy creating.

Poetry from Alan Catlin

Desperate refugees man

long bats for flight across

uncharted waters. Become like

characters in a Bergman movie

huddled together in the rudderless

craft for warmth.  find the way

forward blocked by the bloated,

the waterlogged dead. There is

no going back, no path forward

to what lies on the other side.

Without food or water, it won’t

be long before they arrive there.

Vagrants sleeping

rough in scrub brush

near where the deer lie down,

their rent clothes

too soiled for rags

and a soaked, tightly bound

bed roll that may no longer

be used for sleeping.

Wild berries by the makeshift

dwelling mildew rotten

and he brown leaves of tree

canopies are blighted

with a black spot disease.

This is what summer’s end looks

like now


The lighthouse is electric

at night. The smooth,

white-washed stone is

being subsumed by an

alien life form: plankton

bioluminescent as moonglow

in transit.  If we look too long

at what the tower looks like now,

our eyes begin to bleed

The white widow is naked

without her weeds, pacing

all night about the lighthouse

tower inviting the storm down

from the clouds, forcing stored

power from the ground to rise

as if coaxing the light from within

to energize the fractured sky.

At Gravesend retaining walls

and headstones have been

plundered for shelters.  

Anything wooden has been

carted away and burnt.

Some plots here have been

vandalized, the exhumed bodies

stripped of anything of value

and left where they were thrown.

When the noon day siren blares

we expect them to rise up

to answer the call.

Even hawks flocking now

concentrically circling fields

stripped of life. There are more

birds than there is prey.

We retreat from their sightlines

as well as we can, as far into

the interior as the trees will allow.

It is only a matter of time.

Essay from Dildora Saidjonova

Young Central Asian woman with long curly dark hair, brown eyes, a black coat, standing in front of a red sign background.

Effective methods of learning English as a foreign language

Dildora Saidjonova, UzSWLU, English philology faculty Uzbekistan, Tashkent Email: saidjonovadildora882@gmail.com

Abstract: The increasing significance of English as a global language has intensified the demand for effective strategies in second language acquisition. This article explores the most efficient methods for learning English as a second language, emphasizing immersion, shadowing, and interactive learning. Through an analytical review of these approaches, the study highlights how each method supports the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while fostering cultural understanding and learner motivation.

The findings suggest that a combination of these methods creates a dynamic and learner-centered environment that enhances language proficiency more effectively than traditional approaches. Ultimately, the paper underscores the importance of adopting diverse and communicative learning techniques to achieve long-term fluency and confidence in English.

Key words: ESL, English, methods, acquisition, immersion, shadowing, interactive learning.

In today’s globalized world, English has become a dominant language of communication, education, science, and international business. As a result, the ability to use English effectively is increasingly recognized as a key factor for academic and professional advancement. However, mastering English as a second language (ESL) remains a complex process that requires effective learning methods according to learners’ needs, goals, and contexts. This article examines the most effective methods of learning English as a second language, focusing on innovative practices such as immersion, shadowing, and interactive learning.

Methods: According to several studies, the most effective methods for mastering the English language have been identified as immersion, shadowing and interactive exercises. The first way of learning English efficiently is immersion. Immersion emphasizes the importance of context and continuous exposure, often without relying on explicit instruction. In this setting, learners are encouraged to engage in real-world communication, allowing them to develop both receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) language skills in a more authentic and intuitive manner. The method mirrors the natural language acquisition process by facilitating learning in a dynamic, interactive environment.

This approach based on the idea that immersion accelerates language proficiency by reducing reliance on the learner’s native language and maximizing exposure to the second language in a meaningful context. Research has shown that immersion facilitates the development of fluency, vocabulary acquisition, cultural understanding and an overall deeper mastery of the language, often at a faster pace compared to conventional language-learning methods. Furthermore, it can creates a motivation-driven environment, where learners actively use the language in a variety of settings, improving both their linguistic and socio-pragmatic skills.

The “somber repetition” or “shadowing” method of language learning involve listening to a native speaker and immediately repeating what they say. This technique  is very useful for improving pronunciation, intonation and fluidity in foreign language, such as English. The idea behind somber repetition is straightforward: an audience listens to an audio or video recording in the target language and attempts to mimic the words and phrases accurately as possible. This may be accomplished through podcasts, TED Talks or even songs. The goal is to actively strengthen linguistic skills and “immerse oneself” in the language.

How to do shadowing exercises:

Choose the material. Select recordings that are appropriate for your level. It could be podcasts, YouTube videos or shows and movies. Pay attention: Before you start repeating, listen to the recording once to understand  the context and content. Repeat immediately: Start recording and repeat as soon as you can. Do not hesitate to pause if necessary to better grasp the phrases. Record your voice: To assess your progress, record yourself while repeating. This allow you to understand your mistakes and make corrections. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day or week to practice.

Learning English by ear makes the process easier, even though we might not understand the meaning exactly. The shadowing technique should be broken down into five stages, according to its creator, A. Arguelles:

Imitation without intent. Listen to the tape without looking at the text and attempt to get its core. You must scroll through the same section as many times as necessary. Repeat whatever you can after the carrier.

Textual imitation. The second stage involves copying the native speaker’s speech while glancing at the translation. It is only translation.

Without any text in a foreign language. You cannot yet the constructs and grammar.

Replay in shadow mode. Repetition of the speaker’s voice with the text in front of him.

Elaboration. Read the sentence again and examine the pronunciation characteristics. Interactive learning emphasizes active participation, collaboration, and communication between learners and teacher. Unlike traditional teachers-centered methods, interactive learning encourage students to exchange ideas, solve problems, and use language in real communicative contexts. Interactive games and flashcards are well-known for being effective resources for improving vocabulary memory and motivating students. Some useful games like Quizlet and Kahoot! offer organized and interesting learning opportunities.

This approach aligns with Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory (1978), which states that knowledge is constructed through social interaction and collaborative dialogue. In an ESL classroom, students develop language competence not only through individual practice, but also through cooperation and negotiation of meaning with peers. In conclusion, mastering English requires the use of effective, engaging, and appropriate learning methods. Among the numerous strategies have proven to be particularly valuable in promoting linguistic competence and communicative confidence. Together, these methods create a comprehensive and balanced approach to language acquisition.

Therefore, educators and learners are encouraged to integrate these techniques into their study, as their combined application can significantly enhance both the effectiveness and enjoyment of learning English as a second language.

References:

https://www.oxfordinternationalenglish.com/effective-study-techniques-for-learning-english/ _Approaches_and_Methods_in_Language_Teaching__2nd_Edition__Cambridge_Language_Teaching_Library_ Жуманиязова F., & Умарова J. (2025). The role of immersion in acquiring a second foreign language. Объединяя студентов: международные исследования и сотрудничество между дисциплинами, 1(1), 333–335. извлечено от https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/btsircad/article/view/101312 Takahashi, S. (2015). Shadowing as a Technique for Improving English Pronunciation: A Case Study.

D. Shomahmudovaeffective methods for learning English as a second language https://www.grnjournal.us/index.php/STEM/article/download/7011/6781/12343