Synchronized Chaos Mid-December 2025: The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Stylized dreamlike painting of a white winged female fairy touching the brown hair of a naked person. Their back is to us and they're sitting at a dark pond on a misty day. Rocks and tree branches are in the water.
Image c/o Dawn Hudson

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

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

Good luck, if you choose to enter!

Stylized image of a group of red and blonde and brown haired children standing in a forest reading to an elephant and giraffe.
Image c/o Circe Denyer

Now, for this month’s issue: The Stories We Tell Ourselves. We explore communication, relationships, myth, history, imagination – different ways of making meaning from life.

Dildora Abdullayeva considers the study of phrases as a part of human language and how phrases have changed over the years. Toychiyeva Madinaxon points out how young people are changing global language through Internet slang. Habibullayeva Lalyokhon Zarifjon kizi explores cultural and linguistic features of phrases in the Uzbek language. Rashidova Shohshanam speaks to the rapid changes in the Uzbek language and the challenges and opportunities that poses for educators. Noah Berlatsky reflects with humor on how our brains’ memory for language might shrink with modernity.

Dildora Qobilova suggests common student grammatical errors and ways to correct them in the classroom. Yarmamatova Sevinch Elyor qizi suggests ways to enhance young children’s speech fluency. Suyarova Gulsanam explicates finer points of Uzbek grammar for audiences speaking all languages. Abulqosimova Bahora highlights the intricacies of the phonetic system of the Uzbek language. Muqaddas Islomova highlights the role of multimedia digital technologies in helping language learners enhance their speech skills. Shamsiddinova Maftuna Hamidjon qizi gives an overview of academic studies into the structure and functions of different parts of speech. Adashaliyeva Durdona Akramjon qizi highlights the central role of linguistics in reinforcing the values of a socialist society. Rukhshona Kamolova Turayeva highlights the importance of studying the history and role of the English language to understanding effective communication. Sharifov Sirojiddin Shavkatovich underscores the critical importance of basic math literacy to social functioning. Satimboyeva Risolet outlines educational benefits of AI technologies in education.

Kucharov Bakhodir outlines principles of written and spoken professional communication. Dilnoza Bekmurodovna Navruzbekovna urges people to carefully consider what career would be right for them, and for schools to facilitate that deliberation. Aslidinova O’giloy highlights the potential of a digital economy and the need to prepare students for that world. Sarvar Eshpulatov also highlights the importance of digital literacy for success in today’s society. Niyozova Shakhnoza Farhod qizi elucidates the potential of digital technologies in education. Iroda Sobirova offers suggestions for fostering entrepreneurship in Central Asia and elsewhere. Choliyev Nurbek Rözimbek ogli highlights the importance of local banks in trusting in the creditworthiness of local entrepreneurs. Eshmurodova Sevinch Bahrom qizi outlines steps credit card bureaus can take to ensure consumer security. Urinova Robiyabonu discusses the use of psychology in professional management. Qarshiboyeva Mavluda Azizbek qizi analyzes the role of international assessment exams in world education. Abduvaliyeva Jasmina Jahongir qizi outlines some upsides and downsides of economic and cultural globalization.

Satimboyeva Rizolat discusses how to develop a social culture of reading and literary appreciation that goes beyond the classroom. Aziza Xasamova highlights the joy and creativity and history of the Uzbek mother tongue. Qudratova Nozima Bahromovna outlines the innovative narrative storytelling techniques of Uzbek author Tog’ay Murod.

Pink and gray stylized image of crow birds, an old treasure chest and vase, an analog clock and lamp and globe.
Image c/o Circe Denyer

Lakshmi Kant Mukul shares some of a people’s history of India through the lens of one architectural landmark, the Qutub Minar. Alan Catlin renders the historical, somnolent, stuck atmosphere of the American Rust Belt into poetry. Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso delves into the Islamic Turkish Kara-Khanid state, which reached its height in the 700s. Duane Vorhees traces a variety of Jewish mystical influences on Sigmund Freud. Chimezie Ihekuna relates how the modern Nigerian state came together as a result of colonial powers and bears little relation to cultural realities, causing a legacy of trouble. Jacques Fleury reviews Boston Lyric Stage’s production of a mashup of Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Carol, providing two different lenses through which to interpret Victorian England. Qulliyeva Feruza Qosimova highlights the role of the Uzbek constitution in guiding contemporary society.

Mahbub Alam reflects with nostalgia on his high school days: friends, teachers, the school environment. Mesfakus Salahin revels in the wonder of childhood and memory. Sobirjonova Rayhona expresses gratitude to a dedicated teacher.

Olga Levadnaya speaks to the ‘halo effect’ of memory, where we remember the best parts of what happened to us. Dr. Jernail S. Anand considers his memories to be friends. Taghrid Bou Merhi holds onto the hazy and charming days of childhood and dreams. Mandy Diamantou Pistikou reminds us of the innocence and joyful curiosity of early childhood. Meanwhile, Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal speaks to the feelings, thoughts, and sensations of middle age.

Taro Hokkyo brings to life a moment of deep soul recognition among two different people. Turkan Ergor wonders at the vast diversity of people’s life experiences, given our common humanity. Dr. Kang Byeong-Cheol reminds us of the ingredients of love: wisdom, compassion, and humility. Mrinal Kanti Ghosh reflects on a love that captures his soul and disrupts his consciousness.

Mohan Maharana also writes of compassion, speaking of his work as a healer and social worker coming alongside people living with mental illness. Juana Del Carmen Soria urges people to make wise and caring choices. Asmonur Rajabboyeva, in a piece translated into English by Shuxratova Nilufar, draws on a chamomile flower as a symbol for innocence and compassion. Eva Petropoulou Lianou puts out an urgent call for global peace. Dianne Reeves Angel looks beyond the commercialism of Christmas to seek out spiritual gifts of peace and love and hope. Brajesh Kumar Gupta affirms that goodness is so much stronger than evil. Zuhra Jumanazarova highlights the critical role of the Uzbek constitution in the country’s governance and respect for internationally recognized human rights. Eva Petropoulou Lianou laments the violence and selfishness of humanity, in poetry translated into Mandarin by Yongbo Ma. Pat Doyne mocks corruption in the United States’ federal government. Bill Tope argues against gambling from a social justice perspective. Yongbo Ma also translates a poem from Ahmed Farooq Baidoon on the weary quest of all too many people for justice. Brendan Dawson sketches some of society’s outsiders – immigrants and poets – and reflects on how society has become less welcoming.

Stylized image of a man with a red head in a black coat and suit with various white, black, red, and brown and blue posters on a wall behind him.
Image c/o Omar Sahel

Sayani Mukherjee wishes an old lover well with their new love during the holidays, while still acknowledging her sorrow. Abdulhafiz Iduoze speaks to the cycle of life and death in her imagistic poem. Kemal Berk yearns for a lost loved one through verse. Aisha Al-Maharabi evokes the pain of loss and longing in love. Graciela Noemi Villaverde mourns the loss of her husband of many years through poetry. Abigail George renders cautious and loving care for her father with cancer into thoughtful and slow poetry. Farzaneh Dorri pays tribute to a departed human rights lawyer.

Mirta Liliana Ramirez grieves the loss of someone who suffered much and had a difficult life. Sumaiyya Alessmael mourns the passing of her immortal, fanciful beloved. Milana Momcilovic evokes centuries of timeless longing for a lost love. Salimeh Mousavi probes probes a family’s grief to create a complex and layered character sketch and to mourn for parts of individual personhood severed by culture.

Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah speaks to the kind of immortality we find in nature, where one kind of creature lives because of the existence of another. Brian Barbeito relates a late autumn nature walk that left him feeling mystical and thinking of angels and a winter walk with friendly coyotes. Dr. Jernail Singh reminds proud humans of nature’s limits, checks, and balances. Toraqulova Pokiza Sanjarovna highlights the importance of living and working sustainability with nature during climate change. Avazbekova Rayyonakhon outlines some ways young people can work with “nature” close to us, our own bodies, and enhance immunity and stay healthier. Mahmmadjonov Saidjahon Shokirjon ogli and Mirzamansurova Robiya Ahmadjon qizi discuss clinical criteria elucidating when patients need heart valve transplants. Numonova Shohsanam Bahodirjon qizi presents an overview of the causes and effects of genetic mutation. Sejuty Rahman draws on an oyster fashioning an irritating grain of sand into a pearl as part of an extended natural metaphor for love.

Kavi Nielsen poetically expresses a sense of unity and connection with nature and their loved one. Shawn Schooley celebrates the sensual attraction he feels for his lover. Jamal Garougar speaks to the submergence of egos and unity with a broader whole inherent in love.

Petros Kyriakou Veloudas depicts love, grief, and memory feeding into the artistic process. Ana Elisa Medina encourages someone close to her to sing and share his heart’s journey. Kandy Fontaine reflects on how Motorhead frontman Lemmy inspired her artistically and personally.

Pink and purple line drawing of a woman's face with big eyelashes and two other characters, comic book style guy and girl, near her.
Image c/o Victoria Borodinova

Dianne Reeves Angel celebrates the joy of intentional female connection and friendship over many years. Priyanka Neogi reminds women and girls to remember their insight and strength. Amirah al-Wassif’s surreal poetry speaks to womanhood and our relationship with our bodies and minds.

J.J. Campbell shrugs and finds himself in a place of dull resignation, even at the holiday season, and renders his feelings into poems. Alan Hardy speaks to the vulnerability of being alone, whether in the wild or in his own mind, and how he protects himself by letting go of regret. Santiago Burdon depicts some misadventures along the road of guiding an emerging writer towards greater originality.

Richard LeDue captures a feeling common to many creators: seasons of wandering through a morass of scanty inspiration. Mykyta Ryzhykh expresses deep inner emotional pain through vivid imagery. Sara Hunt-Flores evokes the limits of the poetic muse for dealing with extreme emotions. Anna Keiko embarks on a tender journey of self-discovery.

Patrick Sweeney captures moments of revealing character development through one-line monostitch poetry. Christina Chin and Jerome Berglund depict small moments when people are captivated by small pleasures. Zebo Zukhriddinova celebrates the fun and the spontaneous organization of a day students spent folding and flying paper airplanes. Christina Chin depicts brief moments of peace and contemplation at Thanksgiving. Taylor Dibbert highlights the culinary creativity evinced by Thanksgiving meals. Asmonur Rajabboyeva’s short story, translated from Uzbek to English by Shuxratova Nilufar, details an imaginative and curious young girl’s travel to Mars.

Mark Young expresses fascination with arbitrary liminality, how we attempt to classify the world. Duane Vorhees reflects on natural and human moments of energy and transition, such as thunderstorms, from a comfortable distance that lets him think and react with wonder.

We hope this issue brings wonder, new thoughts, and empathy to your life.

Essay from Qudratova Nozima Bahrom qizi

Young Central Asian woman with long straight dark hair, brown eyes, and a long sleeved flannel black top.

LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF TOG‘AY MUROD’S WORKS

Qudratova Nozima Bahromovna

1st-year student, Department of Uzbek Language and Literature,

Denau Teacher Training Institute

Email: qudratovanozima@gmail.com

Annotation

This article explores the linguistic features present in the works of the renowned literary figure Tog‘ay Murod, distinguished for his profound narratives and unique style. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study highlights key linguistic elements that define Murod’s writing, offering insight into his literary techniques and contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape.

Keywords: Tog‘ay Murod, literary analysis, linguistic features, narrative style, literary technique.

Introduction

Tog‘ay Murod stands as a prominent figure in modern Uzbek literature, celebrated for his captivating storytelling and innovative narrative approach. His works have long fascinated both readers and critics, prompting scholarly interest in the linguistic elements that form the foundation of his distinctive literary voice. This article examines the recurrent linguistic features within Murod’s works, revealing the craftsmanship behind his style and illuminating the essence of his literary genius.

Murod’s literary corpus spans various genres—from prose to poetic narratives—each crafted with its own linguistic precision. His prose is characterized by rich imagery, metaphorical language, and nuanced character development, all of which create immersive storytelling experiences for the reader. Moreover, his use of symbolism, allegory, and intertextuality adds layers of depth, inviting readers to engage with multiple levels of interpretation.

Linguistic Characteristics in Murod’s Works

Beyond his narrative mastery, Murod’s poetic works demonstrate exceptional linguistic rhythm and lyrical expression. By artistically arranging words and sounds, he captures the essence of emotion and human experience, creating a deep resonance with readers. His exploration of linguistic ambiguity and semantic complexity contributes to an intellectual dimension that encourages readers to reflect on the subtleties of language and meaning.

A systematic approach—combining close reading, stylistic analysis, and comparative research—was employed to examine Murod’s linguistic techniques. Works representing different periods of his creative activity and covering diverse themes were analyzed. Textual fragments were studied for recurring linguistic patterns, rhetorical devices, and stylistic choices, providing a comprehensive understanding of his unique writing style.

One of Murod’s most notable contributions lies in his transformation of the natural speech of ordinary people from the Surkhan region into a literary stylistic device. He was among the first to elevate this regional vernacular to the level of a refined artistic tool. Following in the footsteps of earlier creators, he developed his own perspective on literary style. Researcher M. Khidirova describes language as the foundation of literary structure, noting:

> “A literary work is like a tower. It has its own foundation. The lifespan of the work depends on this foundation. The foundation of a literary work is language. Life begins with language and ends with language.”

Thus, the linguistic worldview of Tog‘ay Murod embodies a philosophical understanding of language as both an artistic and spiritual necessity. His unique stylistic mastery continues to serve as a school of artistic skill for young writers, especially at a time when the Uzbek language is flourishing as a state language and its preservation and development are of great importance.

Theoretical Perspectives on Style

Classical and contemporary scholars alike have offered insights into the formation of literary style. The eminent

scholar Abdurauf Fitrat emphasized that as a writer matures artistically, a distinctive style emerges:

> “As a poet or writer rises in artistic mastery, he begins to create a style peculiar to himself. When his imagination, thought, and understanding reach maturity, a unique style naturally appears.”

Literary critic O. Sharafiddinov likewise described style as an all-encompassing phenomenon permeating every aspect of a writer’s work:

> “A writer’s style is like air—we breathe it without noticing its components. Style is the spirit of creativity, the subtle fragrance present in every work.”

Accordingly, Tog‘ay Murod’s reflections on artistic language and style deserve special attention. Language, artistic vision, and literary technique interact harmoniously in his works, shaping an individual and unrepeatable style formed through philosophical perception, cultural identity, and narrative skill.

Tog‘ay Murod’s Creative Language

Tog‘ay Murod is widely recognized for his original and vivid prose, which resembles poetic narrative in both rhythm and imagery. Even casual readers familiar with modern Uzbek literature can easily identify his works by their expressive, colorful, and deeply lyrical language. This distinctive quality sets him apart from other writers.

In works such as Otamdan qolgan dalalar (“Fields Left by My Father”) and Bu dunyoda o‘lib bo‘lmaydi (“One Cannot Die in This World”), Murod won the admiration of readers by portraying the sincere and humble people of the Surkhan region—their hardships, aspirations, and inner worlds. His language is deliberately simple, flowing, and deeply rooted in folk expression.

He skillfully incorporates proverbs, idioms, synonyms, archaic words, and dialectal expressions, enriching the artistic imagery of his narrative. Folk speech enhances the authenticity and emotional connection of his works. For example, dialectal words such as baycha, jigit, bova, iyarmoq, angnib yotmoq, and yonashtirmoq vividly illustrate the regional character of his narratives:

> “I told the boys to lie down by the river and keep watch.”

Discussion

The linguistic features identified throughout Murod’s works emphasize his innovative approach to storytelling and his profound connection to language as a tool of artistic expression. By blending imagery, metaphor, symbolism, and intertextual references, he creates multilayered narratives that resonate deeply with readers.

Moreover, his linguistic versatility allows him to traverse different genres and thematic landscapes, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his creative vision.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, the study of Tog‘ay Murod’s linguistic features reveals a writer of exceptional talent and intellectual depth whose works continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide. Future research may further explore specific aspects of his linguistic style—such as dialect usage, narrative voice, or linguistic innovation. Comparative analyses with other literary traditions may also offer valuable insights into the evolution of literary language and expression.

Ultimately, the linguistic richness of Tog‘ay Murod’s works serves as a testament to the enduring power of language to illuminate human experience and provoke thought. As readers engage with his texts, they embark on a journey of linguistic discovery, uncovering layers of meaning and developing a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling.

References

1. Oydinda yurgan odamlar. G‘. G‘ulom Literature and Art Publishing House, Tashkent, 1985.

2. U. Jo‘raqulov. Nazariy poetika masalalari: Muallif, Janr, Xronotop. G‘. G‘ulom Publishing, Tashkent, 2015, pp. 148–150.

3. U. Faulkner. Qora musiqa. Yangi Asr Avlodi Publishing, Tashkent, 2018.

4. A. Fitrat. Adabiyot qoidalari. Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 1995.

5. O. Sharafiddinov. Iste’dod jilolari. Tashkent.

Qudratova Nozima Bahrom qizi. 2006.11.12.

Surxondaryo viloyati Shurchi tumani Oynako’l mahallasi Amir Temur ko’chasi 160 uy.

+998 90 071 06 11.

Denov Tadbirkorlik va pedagogika instituti 1 kurs talabasi. Filologiya fakulteti o’zbek tili va adabiyoti guruhi.

Poetry from Brendan Dawson

An Immigrant’s Letter Home: They Say I’m the Problem

Fresh off the boat
Plank splinters sticking in my bottom
Foreign words coating my throat
Accented with spices smuggled in my breath

I am here by mule train and burnt gasoline
Aero plane and broken shoestrings
Paid for everything by commercializing
My entire life into round metal beads
Covered in ghost heads and iconic scenes
I’ve not yet had the chance to see
The way they haunt my pockets

Exchanging, “for an excellent rate,” he says to me
An Uzi armed sentry stamps my history
Of entry in passport holograms
The picture shivers between two sheets of paper
While I wait on a bench to claim a meal voucher waiver
For my wife and two
Because where I come from, that’s just what we do
If there’s enough left over, I might eat too

We spend most of our time here in a whole-way shelter
Rust-stained gate and chain-linked containers
Thankful we’ve earned this destination
Instead of the alternative
Where we can cash out our dream banks for the hopes of better gold
Even though we’re not sure of the accounts we’ve been sold

Everyone here sleeps, eyes clinched into folds
But awake in mind sweat
Soaking in the nightmares of regret
When barreled crabs said, “you all won’t get past”
And, “you’ll never last”
And, “we’ll be seeing you when you come crawling back”

But this was never intended to be a round trip
We have a new home here even though
We’re not aware where exactly here is
Or if it’s built real in stick or brick
But in the hope of the memories
We haven’t started remembering yet

So, I try not to be a burden
At nine o’clock, I walk across the parking lot
To start the job that I’ve created
Washing windshields for tips
And trotting across traffic to get
Another car clean to cover business expenses
Incorporating my skills from an era gone by
Of staying organized
To capitalize my homeland’s handouts
Before they were demoralized

At eleven o’clock, I beat down the tracks
To bus restaurant tables and bust my back
Below minimum wage reimbursement
Where it’s a fact that taxes get held back
In snide murmurs and slant glances
Carving contempt on my appearances
I absorb this as a symbol of respect
As I did before, our towers were wrecked.

At the other eleven o’clock, I slip through the cracks
Of the shelter’s back door slats
And immerse my mind
In language and cultural contexts
Of the people and places I didn’t know existed
In this new condition set

I often wonder why we worried and hesitated
And held our expectations on presidential level aspirations
Instead of holding ourselves as the democratic inspiration
In the nation our ancestors created
We eroded through horror and hatred
Where we poked one another’s eyes
Bled ourselves to death then painted
Our remnants onto dust bound, thin air

At night, I don’t sleep much at all
Remembering what we had before the fall
The collapse of the systems
Freedom and prosperity
Jester dancing in the world’s mockery
Wrapped in tricolor liberty wings

But now, it all seems like a distant dream
I, go sleepless, knowing it isn’t a thing
No more grain waves or sea shines
The Mother of Exiles sank in the shoreline
As another empire lost on its way to find
The cause that made it an envious emblem

Now, they say I’m the problem


Urban Cowboys

this is where we sleep against tonight
paper pallets lining the underpass
tomorrow we follow the sun’s tail
pulling the needle in our compass
towards another city’s concrete stable
wind whisking the stray cat’s mane
from left to right and North to West
without hay filling our bellies
our Coke bottle canteens collect dust
as we close our eyes around headlight fires
resting our feet on empty bed rolls
and wonder, “When will we ever be home?”


With Backs to the Rules

navigating life in a series of legends
meandering across the foreign out there
most people travel by grasping for the rules

some reach to rules to know where to stand
other lean into rules for strength
the greedy want rules to get ahead
the rebels want rules to overthrow

but instead, there are poets
poets travel with their backs to the rules
in an eternal commission
banished outside Plato’s republic

with one foot on the frontier of the knowable
and the other foot hovering over the faith filled infinite
white-knuckling enough courage to speak of sins
wrestle written love ciphers for translating fringes
in fragments onto the next poet

in messages urging us to leave safety and step outside
and in time, return to spread the possibility
of how poets travel,

with backs to the rules

The New Colossus

(*Note: A series of four blackout poems repeated from, The New Colossus, by Emma Lazarus as written on the base of the U.S. Statue of Liberty.)

Brendan Dawson is an American-born poet and writer based in Italy. Brendan writes from his experiences while living, working, and traveling abroad.  Currently, he is compiling a collection of poetry and short stories from his time serving in the military and journey as an expat.

Essay from Suyarova Gulsanam

Semantic analysis of the use of gerund and infinitive

Suyarova Gulsanam Sherzod qizi
Student of CSPU Department English language and theory
The group of 22/5
suyarovagulsanam6@gmail.com


Annotation
In this article, the features of using the tense forms of the to-infinitive and the gerund, the verbs after which one of them is used, as well as the verbs that can be followed by both the infinitive and the gerund, and their semantic differences are analyzed.
Key words: verbs, infinitive, gerund, features


Annotatsiya
Ushbu maqolada to-infinitive va gerundning zamon shakllarini qo‘llash xususiyatlari, ayrim fe’llardan keyin ulardan qaysi biri ishlatilishi, shuningdek, o’zidan keyin ham infinitive, ham gerund talab qiladigan fe’llar hamda ularning ma’nodagi farqlari tahlil qilinadi.
Kalit so’zlar: fe’llar, infinitiv, gerundiy, xususiyatlar
Аннотация
В данной статье анализируются особенности употребления временных форм инфинитива с частицей to и герундия, глаголы, после которых используется один из них, а также глаголы, после которых могут употребляться как инфинитив, так и герундий, и различия в их значении.
Ключевые слова: особенности, глаголы, инфинитив, герундий.

In the grammatical system of the English language, verb forms hold a particularly significant position. A verb not only conveys an action or a state but also functions as the central grammatical element of the sentence. Categories such as tense, person, number, and continuity of action are expressed through verbs. Therefore, the accurate use of verbs is vital for learners.
In English, verbs have various non-finite forms such as the infinitive, gerund, and participle. These forms enrich speech by adding semantic nuances such as cause, result, condition, or continuity. In Uzbek, non-finite verb forms correspond to verbal nouns and also possess their own tense distinctions.

The Tense Forms of the Gerund
1.Simple Gerund (V+ing): expresses a present or general action. Example: She advised going to the party yesterday.

  1. Perfect Gerund (having + past participle): denotes an action completed before another. Example: Can you remember writing a letter to me for the first time?

The Tense Forms of the Infinitive

  1. Simple Infinitive (to + verb): action simultaneous with or following the main verb. Example: It seems to rain.
  2. Continuous Infinitive (to be + V-ing): expresses an ongoing action at the same time as the main verb. Example: My brother pretended to be listening to music.
  3. Perfect Infinitive (to have + past participle): action occurring before the main verb. Example: He refused to have stolen the money.
  4. Perfect Continuous Infinitive (to have been + V-ing): continuous action prior to the main verb. Example: She seems to have been learning English for two years. Verb Usage
  • Infinitive is used to express purpose, after adjectives (happy, eager), after nouns/pronouns (something, someone), after too/enough, and in structures like it + be + adjective. Example: I always do my homework to achieve good results.
  • Gerund functions as a noun, is used after certain verbs (enjoy, avoid, consider), after expressions (be busy, can’t help, have difficulty), and after prepositions. Example: Reading is useful for us.

  • Change of Meaning with Gerund and Infinitive
    Some verbs allow both forms but change meaning depending on which is used:
  • Remember: remember to do = not forget / remember doing = recall
  • Stop: stop to do = pause for another action / stop doing = quit
  • Try: try to do = attempt / try doing = experiment
  • Regret: regret to do = be sorry / regret doing = feel sorry about
  • Mean: mean to do = intend / mean doing = involve
  • Forget: forget to do = not remember / forget doing = not recall

  • The correct use of gerund and infinitive is essential for learners of English. These forms influence not only grammatical accuracy but also the semantic content of speech. A clear understanding of their forms, functions, and meaning differences allows learners to express themselves more fluently and precisely.
    The main difference between gerunds and to-infinitives in terms of temporal meaning lies in the fact that the gerund generally expresses the action as a process or a factual event, while the to-infinitive conveys purpose, intention, or result. Perfect forms highlight actions that have already occurred, whereas passive forms indicate actions performed upon the subject or actions that are required to be performed.
    Consequently, the correct use of gerund and to-infinitive forms is a crucial means of accurately expressing temporal meanings in English.

References

  1. Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., & Svartvik, J. A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman, 1985.
  2. Murphy, R. English Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press, 2019.
  3. Huddleston, R., & Pullum, G. K. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
  4. Eastwood, J. Oxford Guide to English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 1994.
  5. Swan, M. Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Poetry from Mirta Liliana Ramirez

Older middle aged Latina woman with short reddish brown hair, light brown eyes, and a grey blouse.
Mirta Liliana Ramirez

Your eyes

I always remember your eyes
Green with hope
That hope that slipped through your fingers
That hope that in your youth swept you away…

Those eyes
that life dragged away
with the current
of despair
trying to extinguish them…

Your eyes that light up
at the simplest things
and fight to keep the light of life alive…

That life that wasn’t easy
that was an eruption
of incomprehensible situations…

Your eyes still hold the flame
Of hope
That hope that so often
was lost along life’s path.

Mirta Ramírez- Chaco- Argentina

Mirta Liliana Ramírez has been a poet and writer since she was 12 years old. She has been a Cultural Manager for more than 35 years. Creator and Director of the Groups of Writers and Artists: Together for the Letters, Artescritores, MultiArt, JPL world youth, Together for the letters Uzbekistan 1 and 2. She firmly defends that culture is the key to unite all the countries of the world. She works only with his own, free and integrating projects at a world cultural level. She has created the Cultural Movement with Rastrillaje Cultural and Forming the New Cultural Belts at the local level and also from Argentina to the world.

Poetry from Abdulhafiz Iduoze

Nietzsche was that Poet which
Cried blood, sweat and tears
Walking that Germanic harmattan
Which the consensus wicked weep
Wavering, colluding bracks and waters

To launch out a pile
And brushes to rinse mouths
Which scent gelatinous fragrances that
Dance out the heart and purity
And wish breathing into mapped

Malactivity. Modes insist the bridals
Breed out love and care,
And hope and understanding.
Were there those chlorophyll breeds,
Heart hearth would have been

Sublime, earth beards washed clean
And the intestine pushed off
To the brim, nirvana? Scanners
Collude to yet convey hunger,
To match the matchless sticks

And to wish and growl,
And to hold those penniless
Veins those abstract arbitrations
Achieved within timely intonations
Miraculous, missive, ringing mass

The graves gravid and gowned,
Numerous necessities numbering
Knead needle nook shapes
Cushioning cachets, thrown off
Sachets in the life of being.

One is not part and parcel,
One is not a negative
To hope to be without
Waste, without fetching figures
Wiring woe wills walking wean

But to pursue out lack,
Contentment must stably stare
The face of the heart
To garner and to pounce
Minutiae unravel gravel gaunt.

Verily, life itself spells spook
Personalities, tint the bottling
Beards bead connote uphold
To show and to muster
Minutes, seconds, searching.

Essay from Adashaliyeva Durdona Akramjon qizi 

Socialist Linguistics: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives

Abstract

This article examines the theory of socialist linguistics, its role in society, and the social functions of language. It highlights the importance of language in socialist societies, the relationship between language and social development, language policy, and the communicative functions of language.

Keywords

Linguistics, socialist society, language policy, social communication, socialism

Introduction

Language is the primary means of communication in any society, closely linked with social development, culture, and political systems. Socialist linguistics studies language not only from a linguistic perspective but also in terms of its social functions and within the context of socialist values.The main objective of socialist linguistics is to explore the interrelation between language and society, identify the role and functions of language within socialist ideology, and contribute to its practical implementation in education, media, and culture.

1. Theory of Socialist Linguistics

The theoretical foundations of socialist linguistics include: 1. Language and Social Structure – Language reflects societal norms and values across all social strata. 2. Language Policy and Norms – In socialist societies, language policy aims to develop a unified national language and adapt it to socialist values. 3. Language and Ideology – Language serves as a medium to instill socialist ideology and shape social behavior and culture.

2. Language and Social Development

Language plays a crucial role in the social development of a socialist society:

Education and Culture – Socialist linguistics facilitates systematic language learning and its application in society.

Communication Processes – Language enables effective information exchange among different social groups.

Cultural Integration – Language acts as a tool to unify national and ethnic groups under common socialist values.

3. Practical Directions of Socialist Linguistics

Developing linguistic norms and standards

Analyzing socialist literature and texts

Studying language and communication strategies

Integrating language and ideology

Conclusion

Socialist linguistics provides a deep understanding of the relationship between language and society. It examines the social functions of language, its alignment with socialist values, and its role in language policy and communication. Therefore, socialist linguistics is a vital instrument for social development and cultural integration in socialist societies.

Adashaliyeva Durdona Akramjon qizi was born on June 30, 2002, in Uychi District, Namangan Region. She graduated from Secondary School No. 33 in Uychi District, and later completed her studies in Uzbek Language at Namangan State University. She is currently working as a teacher at Namangan City Polytechnic No. 1.