Poetry from Gulmira Ravshonbekova

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(Young Central Asian woman in a black coat with buttons on the sleeves and a white frilly blouse, seated in a cafeteria with yellow chairs).                                                 

A NEW DAY

Dewdrops dance on leaves, in gardens nestled so deep,
Softly drifting, clouds above sing lullabies in sleep.
Like the scent of a tulip, sorrow lifts from the soul,
While grandmas pray for peace and health, making the people whole.

Grass blades greet us warmly, heads risen in delight,
Listening to the cranes returning, crying through their flight.
In emerald green that charms the eyes, they reach toward the skies,
Sunlight glimmers on each bud like gold in children’s eyes.

Some have lived to see these days, and some have not, it’s true,
But spring still whispers words of joy that gently pass on through.
From parents’ heartfelt blessings bloom joy and inner grace,
And on the sky of fate we see youth’s star take its place.

With spring anew, a brand new day, forget the shadows past,
Let pure intentions simmer like sumalak in the pot at last.
Let kites that soar in skyward flight sweep grief from every heart,
And let us share the blooms of love, together, never apart.

Welcome back, O Spring, to my land! You’ve brought such dazzling cheer,
For the sixteenth time I face you, smiling with eyes so clear.
How many times we’ll meet again, I do not truly know,
But angels built a palace in my soul for you to glow.

Gulmira Ravshonbekova, daughter of Ruslonbek,was born on August 29, 2005, in Khiva city, Khorezm region.Currently, she is a second-year student at Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhan Beruni. She is a recipient of the “Ogahiy Scholarship” and the “Governor’s Scholarship”. Her first collection of poetry and prose, titled “Love for Enchanting Words”, has been published.She is a winner of several international, national, and regional Olympiads and competitions. Gulmira is also a member and certificate holder of the “Kyrgyz Poets and Writers Fund” of the Kyrgyz Republic. Additionally, she represents Uzbekistan in the international organization “National Human Rights and Humanitary Federation”.Her academic and literary works have been published in journals and anthologies in countries such as Germany, the USA, Turkey, Canada, India, Poland, and others.                                                                                             

Essay from Rahimova Iroda

MUNAVVARA SOLAYEVA – THE OWNER OF SCIENCE AND CREATIVITY

Munavvara Solayeva is the first female PhD holder in philology from Urgench State University. The scholar was born on February 2, 1925, in the city of Khiva. In 1954, after successfully defending her PhD dissertation, she was assigned to the Khorezm State Pedagogical Institute. Munavvara Solayeva was one of the pioneers of this prestigious institution, dedicating her entire career to its development. She was among the first women to boldly travel to Moscow, where she defended her dissertation in Russian on the topic “The Lyrics of Uyg‘un”. She devoted 34 years to scientific and teaching activities at the institute where she began her career.

       In 1993, her monograph titled “Navoi and the Poets of Khorezm” was published. In recognition of her lifelong contributions, academic achievements, and ethical qualities, the university administration established a state scholarship named after Munavvara Solayeva.

      One of her exceptional qualities was her poetic talent. Over the years, her numerous scientific, journalistic articles, and poems covering relevant social and literary topics were published. These works, including poems and ghazals, have been compiled in a collection titled “A Heart in Love with Science”, prepared by poet, writer, and member of the Uzbekistan Writers’ Union, Qurbon Muhammadrizo. The book was published by Ogahiy Publishing House in 2023. The presentation of the book took place at Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhan Beruni in a highly spirited atmosphere. As a student, I also participated in the event, where we expressed admiration for Munavvara Solayeva’s courage and remarkable achievements as a woman. We aspire to become brave, active, and dedicated educators and scholars like her.

         The collection “A Heart in Love with Science” includes Munavvara Solayeva’s journalistic articles on important topics such as “What is Humanity?”, “The Literary Relations of the Two Shores”, “The Sultan of Poetry”, “The Owner of Bright Creativity”, and “The Scholar of Poetry and Art”. It also features her scientific articles such as “One Poem”, “The Pain of Poetry, the Love of Science, the Magic of Art”, “The Spirit of Navoi Protects Me…”, “May Your Flight Be High”, “The Evening Came to My Hut”, “The Tragedy of the Ghazal”, “Navoi’s Traditions in Ogahiy’s Lyrics”, “The Image of Women in “Khamsa” “, and “Navoi’s Spring Melodies”.

         By reading these works, readers gain a deep understanding of the historical period, the life, and the creative path of each literary figure discussed, along with new and comprehensive reflections on their legacies. The collection also presents her heartfelt poems such as “To My Mother”, “My Father”, “Navoi and Ogahiy”, “Fable”, “Ode to Spring”, “The Book”, “The Muse of Inspiration”, “Winter and Spring”, “Black Eyes”, as well as her ghazals with refrains “Are You My Beloved?”, “I Am Devoted”, “I Seek”, “Regret” and her muvaššah (poetic form) “The Teacher”. The poetic garden of her works stirs the hearts and touches the souls of readers, undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on every admirer of literature.

Iroda Rakhimova Islombekovna was born on August 8, 2005, in the city of Khiva, located in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. She graduated from the School number 11 in Khiva with a gold medal and was admitted to Urgench State University named after Abu Rayhan Beruni on the basis of a state scholarship. Currently, she is a second-year student at the Faculty of Philology and Arts at the same university. Her poems, short stories, and articles have been published in both national and international journals. She is an active member of the “Mushoira” literary club established at the university and continues her creative work through this platform.

Synchronized Chaos First July Issue: Hold This World Loosely

Light skinned barefoot woman stands on grass near trees and water in a light sundress holding a mesh bag of oranges.
Photo by Ekaterina Nt

First of all, we’re sharing the new project of young leader Muslima Olimova. The online platform Muslima Academy is a secular youth-led educational initiative empowering students with digital skills, international opportunities, and career readiness. More information here.

Also contributor Christopher Bernard has work included in the new summer issue of literary magazine Caveat Lector. Secondly, contributor Timothee Bordenave will have his painting Carte a Jouer auctioned off at L’Olympia.

Disabled contributor, lyric essayist, and ALS activist Katrina Byrd suffered hurricane damage to her home and seeks support to rebuild and make ends meet while she’s getting ready to move. Whatever folks can contribute will make a real difference.

South African poet and essayist Abigail George, whom we’ve published many times, shares the fundraiser her book’s press has created for her. She’s seeking contributions for office supplies and resources to be able to serve as a speaker and advocate for others who have experienced trauma or deal with mental health issues.

Also, the Educational Bookshop in Jerusalem, a store that has the mission of peaceful dialogue and education, invites readers to donate new or gently used books (all genres) that have been meaningful to them, with a note enclosed for future readers about why the books were meaningful. (The books don’t have to be about peace or social justice or the Mideast, although they can be). Please send books here. US-based Interlink Publishing has also started a GoFundMe for the store.

Writer and playwright Gina De Vries has been awarded a fellowship to receive professional coaching from the Lambda Literary Foundation for her drama exploring and challenging the “Doom Loop” narrative about American cities. She’s raising a small amount of cash to cover the portion of the cost that she’s expected to cover.

One pair of hands holding a globe to another outstretched pair of hands. Leafy trees and grass in the background.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Next, we have a group of young early-career UC Davis academics who hope to attend an important conference in the field of climate science, but need to privately raise cash to replace grant funds that were removed due to changing conditions in the U.S. They’ve been hosting bake sales to make up the difference.

We’re spreading the word about Claire Jones and Amaranthia Sepia and their work through Sista Creatives Rising, creating accessible virtual shows, spotlighting and giving small grants to women of color to pursue their creative dreams. They’ll host a new show this fall, tickets will be available soon, and are inviting people to donate to celebrate Juneteenth! Any donations we receive will help us support our team, speakers and tech needs such as Adobe, Xfinity Emergency Storm Wi-Fi, editing & captioning apps, accessibility support, and more!

Also, we encourage people to consider supporting the Sun Gallery, which is one of the venues hosting the Hayward (California) Lit Hop festival, co-sponsored each year by Synchronized Chaos Magazine. They’re struggling due to the loss of some important grants and facing possible closure, and we would like to give back to the places that have supported us.

Finally, we’re helping out one of the founders of the Secret Spot, a grassroots performance and visual arts collective launched by low-income artists early in their careers. The Secret Spot is temporarily taking a break while she recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Now, for July’s first issue: Hold This World Loosely. These words of St. Paul from two millennia ago remind us that while there is much to embrace in the world, all is impermanent and we can only protect ourselves from suffering by holding on with a loose grasp. However, this flexibility also frees us to appreciate and create positive change.

Young man of indeterminate race in a cap, athletic outfit, and shoes stands stretching with his back to us at the beginning of a wooden bridge.
Photo by Pixabay

Eva Petropoulou Lianou describes the freedom found in holding onto life with a loose hand. Yucheng Tao crafts poetry of fleeting moments, consciousness, grief, and beauty. Dustin Pickering expresses his desire to float away with his love, even down to shadows and the abyss. Jason Ryberg’s poetry evokes dreams, memory, and timelessness. Lilian Dipasupil Kunimasa writes of gales of wind and emotion and the cultural wisdom embedded in a Native American dream catcher. Graciela Noemi Villaverde writes elegantly of a summer train adventure and the need to let go of some of the past to embrace the future.

Welcoming personal and societal change and growth can be a positive thing. Qobulova Gulzoda honors the forward-thinking Jadid leaders in Uzbekistan’s heritage who promoted education, science, and literacy. Gulshoda Jorabekovna Baxtiyorova offers up patriotic praise for Uzbekistan’s current presidential administration and its efforts to promote education, science, women’s rights, and athletics. Xoliqulova Husniabonu reflects on the bravery and dedication of her nation’s historical heroes. Priyanka Neogi urges people to achieve personal greatness by working hard to develop their talents and growing in their character and respect for others.

As an example of scientific research, Davlatyorova Iqbol outlines the medical causes of and treatments for hyperglycemia. Anorov Sirojiddin outlines approaches to treating urological diseases. Turning to the arts, Federico Wardal points out two films, flautist Andrea Ceccomori’s “Anita” and Joe Mantegna’s “Kamilah the Miracle Filly,” which have crossed national borders to be featured in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Italy.

Oyatillo Jabboraliev highlights the value of student exchange programs for helping young people learn life skills as well as cultural literacy. Mamatova Diyora explores ways to help students stay motivated to learn foreign languages they don’t frequently hear. Munisa Asimova reflects on the work of a caring teacher who helped her achieve her writing dreams, and Sobirjonova Rayhona also offers up a poetic tribute to a dedicated teacher. Rakhmonova Diyorakhon discusses the importance of experiential and participatory education for young people. Muslima Olimova announces the launch of her online startup which aims to help young people around the world learn the skills that will prepare them for work and also outlines the advantages of different backend programming languages.

Ibodullayeva Dilnura analyzes the effects of combining online and in-person education. Surayo Nosirova relates her experience with an environmental education project involving young people in solving today’s challenges. Odina Bahodirova highlights the role of environmental education in promoting future sustainability.

Rushana Raupova celebrates the wonder and joy children can bring to the world and her dedication to benefiting them with her life. Aytuvova Khurshida outlines the importance of integrating the latest psychology findings into children’s education.

East Asian man with dark hair holds a baby who's holding a globe.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Mario Loprete renders urban style into the gallery with concrete tributes to rap and culture. Sabina G’iyosiddinova builds upon and expands traditional Uzbek art styles in her abstract work.

Dr. Jernail S. Anand suggests a positive role for artificial intelligence in enhancing human life and promoting pro-social behavior. Tursunova Ismigul suggests strategies, including technology-based platforms, to improve access to healthcare in rural communities.

Speaking of traditional rural villages, Manik Chakraborty revels in gentle, sunny village life. Holding onto the world with a light touch does not mean giving up one’s love for one’s world, heritage or past. Maftuna Rustamova honors the creative legacy of Uzbek poet Zulfiya Khanim. Dilnura Khahhorova affirms the importance of celebrating the traditional culture of Uzbekistan while Bektosh Kenjayev honors the self-sacrificing military heroism of historical tribal leader Shiroq. Iskandarova Dilnoza affirms her Uzbek history and culture in poetry. Mickey Corrigan reflects on the complex and intriguing life of James Bond actor Ian Fleming. John Dorsey speaks in his poetry to American culture, memory, and reflection.

David Sapp expresses thoughtful wonderment and fascination for art and the natural world. Irma Kurti speaks to excitement, love, grief, the sky’s various moods, and summer breezes. John Thomas Allen offers a mystical ode to the esoteric arts. Alan Catlin probes the uncanny side of nature in his surreal poems. Joseph Ogbonna describes a road trip where tension among fellow travelers arose, then dissipated as everyone explored the calm and quiet Nigerian countryside. Saiprakash Kuntamukkala listens to an elegant rainfall. Mahbub Alam reflects on patience and how nature blooms on its own timescale. Christina Chin and Jerome Berglund exchange tan-renga lines about mowing the lawn, ants crawling, film noir, and many other topics.

Mary Bone remembers outdoor winter celebrations with friends and family. Brian Barbeito reflects on escaping a garish urban landscape by taking refuge by the sea. Don Bormon speaks to the vast natural renewal each year after the monsoon rains.

Chimezie Ihekuna praises the power of love and expresses a child’s tender love for their father. Elbekova Shohsanam thanks her parents for their constant and sacrificial love. Mashxura Fazliddinova Nuriddinovna offers up a tribute to both her parents. Wansoo Kim speaks to centering oneself and listening to the voices of faith and conscience rather than other less meaningful distractions. Turkia Loucif celebrates family, love, nature and creativity. Rhian Elizabeth’s maybe i’ll call gillian anderson, reviewed by Cristina Deptula, speaks to family and romantic relationships and makes space for love, grief, and change.

Wistful old light-skinned man with blue eyes stares out a window.
Photo by Kindel Media

Sometimes remembrance is tinged with sorrow. Poet Hassane Ajbouh carries forth an ecstatic spiritual love through writing of his departed beloved. Mesfakus Salahin’s poetry evokes the pain of separation from a loved one amid the hot monsoon rains. Duane Vorhees writes figuratively, yet sensually, of romantic pairings of opposites and of people left longing or bereft after someone leaves. Greg Hill sends up images of fall, loss, and departure, contrasted with a lively preteen sleepover.

Paul Murgatroyd evokes death, decay, and the persistent memory of youth. J.J. Campbell speaks to aging, disillusionment, loneliness, frustration, and despair. Taylor Dibbert’s narrator reflects on the long shadow of his beloved dog’s memory. Leslie Lisbona mourns a friendship of many years that went awry after her friend’s move and some off-base comments. Mirta Liliana Ramirez remembers a person she lost by the sea they both loved. Stephanie Elendu’s short story presents three different characters grieving the deaths of school children in a Nigerian truck accident from three different perspectives.

Mykyta Ryzhykh speaks to love, physical passion, death, the extreme trauma of wartime, and the psychological violence of having to hide a big part of himself. Palestinian poet Ahmed Miqdad looks to death as a release from the extreme suffering he sees in Gaza and Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews him about his writing and his hopes for peace and human rights in the region. Abdulrasheed Yakubu Ladan also speaks to the human suffering in Gaza and the people’s determination to survive. Patricia Doyne lampoons Donald Trump and the state of American politics and the possibility of war. Noah Berlatsky grieves the loss of a loved one to social violence at the hands of laws and lawmakers who said they didn’t belong, reminding us of the human cost of policies.

Yuldasheva Oyshakhon reminds us to cherish our parents while we have them. Bill Tope remembers the unspoken rejection he felt after losing his father. Maja Milojkovic recollects the ways her deceased father made an impact on her life. Dan Flore writes of the lingering effects of divorce on now-adult children. Abigail George reflects on her loneliness and depression when her own mother forgot her birthday, and how she found comfort from looking to writers and the human experience.

Sayani Mukherjee speaks to feeling part of nature’s family, one of the plethora of creatures in a continually changing universe. Mohidil Sultanova evokes the joy, wonder, and community of a vibrant Uzbek street market, where she can feel the pulse of humanity interacting. Mahmudova Sevara uses cuisine as a lens to explore points of intersection between Uzbek and Korean culture. Bazarbaeva Inabat analyzes business connections between Thailand’s media and tourism industries.

Large street market with fruit and food staples in colorful buckets. Different stalls, all under a patterned dome.
Images c/o Mohidil Sultanova

Several students cover themes of cultural exchange within the field of linguistics. Hafizullayeva Kamolaxon outlines the influence of Turkish on the Uzbek language. Nigora Abdurazzakova explores cognitive development in children bilingual in Russian and Uzbek. Tojimurodova Latofat discusses ways to help speakers of Russian, Uzbek, and English remember words. Aliasqarova Muslima discusses attitudes towards regional and country dialects in the Uzbek language. Baxtiyorova Feruza’s essay deals with the role of common nouns and verbs in Uzbek and English speech. Berdiyorova Nargiza compares idiomatic expressions in English and Uzbek. Jo’rayeva Aziza explores multimodal teaching methodologies for Uzbek as a foreign language. Odilova Diyora looks into how translation strategies impact the interpretation of culturally specific terms in Uzbek. Sa’dullayeva Dilshoda highlights the role of language preservation in claiming and reclaiming culture and identity. Nasirova Xurshedabonu looks into ways to help students gain confidence in speaking foreign languages.

Sometimes we experience life as if it’s been mistranslated, as if we aren’t sure exactly what’s happening and what to make of our circumstances and senses. Mark Young writes of off-kilter scenes from daily life, observed from a distance. Iduoze Abdulhafiz escorts us through a holographic world of surreal prose. Yongbo Ma recollects a hazy dream about attempting to repair a muddy road, then adding to the confusion.

Christopher Bernard reflects on what it means to age when one never quite fit with one’s own generation.

Ben Nardolilli explores possibility and reality, human minds and our role in the universe, and suggests that we belong here. Wansoo Kim urges us to pull out of selfishness and despair and follow our consciences as guides. Nasir Aijaz perseveres in his life despite society’s many ills. Jasmina Ergasheva expresses resilience and hope for her future. Murodillayeva Mohinur reflects on her determination to rise towards her dreams even amidst obstacles.

Michael Robinson speaks to the new life and healing he has found in Jesus Christ. Eva Petropoulou Lianou expresses a wish for people to choose humanity over greed, and in another piece translated by Sumaya Al-Essmael, urges peace on earth for everyone’s best interest. Azamova Feruza highlights the importance of peace and stability for developing, or all, nations.

Young Black woman in a spacesuit with a big smile.
Photo by cottonbro studio

Vo Thi Nhu Mai contributes a gentle, tender love story where a young man finally gets up the courage to embrace his first beloved. Isaac Aju crafts a hopeful, second-chance romance. Sushant Thapa’s piece celebrates friendship and art’s power to encourage the soul.

Peter Cherches contributes a humorous poem making a bold claim to its own existence. Svetlana Rostova highlights the power of words and ventures to rewrite her own story. We hope that this issue inspires and frees you to do the same in your own words and media.

Essay from Rushana Raupova

The path I have chosen is for the future of children.

Every time I hear the laughter of children, something flutters in my heart. As if a voice inside me says: “That’s why you live.” They are innocent, pure, sincere. 

One of their tears shakes the world, one of their smiles warms the heart. 

I want to live for children. Not just that – as a person who listens to their pain, heart, and breath. I want to protect them. That’s why I chose Pediatrics. 

This profession requires not only knowledge, but also heart, love, and patience. You can’t just treat a child – you also need to understand him. You need to look into his fearful eyes and give him confidence. 

Being a doctor is not just about writing prescriptions, it’s about giving love, receiving blessings, and being a reason to live. Even though I’m still a student, I’m learning slowly. Every lesson, every page of a book brings me closer to my dreams. Every night I memorize terms, every morning I wake up – all this is for the future I want. 

Sometimes I get tired, cry, and suffer. Questions like “why did I choose this profession?” also arise inside me. But suddenly my parents’ voices are heard, and every time I write to my father, they say: “Daughter, you will grow up, you are our greatest hope, we trust you, you will justify our trust.” These words give strength to my heart. In fact, the biggest reason for me to choose this profession is my father. My father’s faith in me, his dreams, and his prayers will not stop me from my path. I did not choose this path by chance. My heart chose this path. For the children, for the future, and above all, for the trust in my parents.

Rushana Raupova Sanjar qizi was born on May 7, 2005 in Yakkabag district of Kashkadarya region. Currently she resides in Tashkent city. She is a 2nd year student of the Faculty of Pediatrics of Tashkent State Medical University and participated in the international anthology in Turkey. Her articles are being published in the international anthology. 

Essay from Tojimurodova Latofat

Investigating Lexical Access Latency in Trilingual Uzbek–Russian–English Speakers in a Psycholinguistic Perspective

Tojimurodova Latofat Farxod qizi

Uzbekistan State World Languages University

English first Faculty

Abstract: This study investigates lexical access latency in trilingual speakers proficient in Uzbek (L1), Russian (L2), and English (L3). Lexical access, the mental process through which words are retrieved from the mental lexicon during speech production and comprehension, is a critical aspect of language processing. In multilingual individuals, factors such as language dominance, frequency of use, emotional salience, and context of acquisition can significantly affect the speed of access across different languages. Utilizing a cross-modal lexical decision task (LDT), we examined reaction times for high-frequency and low-frequency words in each language using computerized experimental software. Data was collected from 30 university-level participants in Uzbekistan who reported regular use of all three languages in distinct domains—home, education, and digital communication. Our findings revealed that lexical access was fastest in the most dominant or contextually relevant language, though this varied across participants. Uzbek generally yielded the shortest response times, followed by Russian and English. The study contributes to psycholinguistic research by highlighting how multilingual lexical systems interact dynamically depending on linguistic environment and usage patterns. These results offer practical implications for multilingual education and cognitive assessments in diverse sociolinguistic contexts.

Keywords: Lexical access, trilingualism, Uzbek–Russian–English, reaction time, psycholinguistics, language dominance, lexical decision task.

 

Lexical access—the retrieval of stored words from the mental lexicon—is fundamental to real-time language comprehension and production. In monolinguals, this process is typically automatic and efficient. However, in multilingual individuals, lexical access becomes significantly more complex due to the presence of multiple, overlapping language systems. Trilingualism, especially in linguistically diverse regions like Uzbekistan, introduces a unique dynamic wherein each language plays a different sociocultural and functional role. Uzbek, as the official state language, is often acquired first (L1) and used predominantly in familial and national contexts. Russian, although not an official language, retains strong sociolinguistic influence due to historical, academic, and media exposure, functioning as a de facto second language (L2) for many. English, increasingly integrated into the educational system and international communication, typically serves as the third language (L3), acquired later through formal instruction.

Understanding how these languages are accessed in the mind has both theoretical and applied significance. From a psycholinguistic standpoint, it allows us to examine how cognitive resources are distributed across language systems. Practically, it informs language teaching, cognitive assessment, and clinical diagnosis for multilingual individuals.

The present study focuses on measuring lexical access speed across three languages using a Lexical Decision Task (LDT). Specifically, it addresses the following research questions:

  1. Which language yields the fastest lexical access among trilingual Uzbek–Russian–English speakers?
  2. How do language dominance and usage frequency influence access speed?
  3. Are there consistent patterns in word retrieval latency across participants?

By systematically comparing access speeds and drawing correlations with self-reported language use, this study aims to contribute empirical insights to the broader field of bilingual and trilingual processing models. The outcomes not only shed light on the cognitive structure of trilingual speakers but also propose implications for educational policy, particularly in contexts where multilingualism is the norm rather than the exception.

Lexical access in multilingual individuals has long intrigued psycholinguists, especially in contexts involving unbalanced language exposure and usage. Classic models such as Levelt’s (1989) model of speech production emphasize a serial progression from conceptualization to articulation, where lexical retrieval plays a key intermediate role. For bilinguals and trilinguals, this process is not always linear due to the co-activation of multiple lexicons (Kroll & Stewart, 1994; Dijkstra & van Heuven, 2002). The Bilingual Interactive Activation Plus (BIA+) model further refines this understanding by suggesting that both target and non-target languages are simultaneously activated during word recognition, with inhibitory mechanisms managing language selection.

Recent empirical research on trilinguals indicates that lexical access latency is modulated by a range of variables: age of acquisition (AoA), language dominance, frequency of use, and emotional significance (Costa et al., 2000; Tokowicz & Kroll, 2007). For instance, de Groot (2011) observed that L1 access remains fastest in most contexts, but domain-specific proficiency may reverse this trend, especially when the L2 or L3 is frequently used in academic or professional settings.

In Central Asian multilingual communities, research remains limited. However, studies by Sharipov (2018) and Nurmurodova (2020) indicate that Uzbek speakers often switch to Russian in academic discourse and to English in digital and professional spheres. This pragmatic distribution suggests a form of contextual language dominance, which may not always align with chronological order of acquisition.

Despite these advances, trilingual lexical access in post-Soviet societies remains understudied. The current study fills this gap by offering quantitative data on access speed across three actively used languages in Uzbekistan, drawing connections between cognitive activation and sociolinguistic patterns.

This study highlights the intricate and dynamic nature of lexical access in trilingual speakers of Uzbek, Russian, and English. The data suggest that although Uzbek generally serves as the dominant and most accessible language for most participants—presumably due to early acquisition and daily usage—Russian, which holds significant functional value in academic, scientific, and media domains in Uzbekistan, at times surpassed Uzbek in lexical retrieval speed. This finding challenges the traditional assumption that the first language (L1) always ensures the fastest access, emphasizing instead the role of contextual language dominance and domain-specific language activation.

English, as the third language (L3) and often acquired through formal education rather than naturalistic exposure, demonstrated comparatively slower access speeds. This result is consistent with the weaker links hypothesis, which posits that less frequently used languages create weaker associative pathways in the mental lexicon, leading to delayed retrieval.

These findings have several pedagogical and theoretical implications. First, they support the idea that language proficiency alone is insufficient to predict lexical access efficiency; educators and researchers must also consider the emotional salience, frequency of use, and functional distribution of each language within a speaker’s life. Language educators in multilingual societies like Uzbekistan should adopt a more context-sensitive approach, designing instruction that mirrors learners’ real-world language environments. Furthermore, the results reinforce psycholinguistic models that emphasize co-activation and competition among multiple lexicons, particularly in multilinguals navigating sociolinguistically layered settings. The overlap and interaction between languages in the brain appear to be shaped by both linguistic history and current sociocultural utility. 

For future research, it is advisable to expand the demographic scope of participants to encompass a more diverse range of language users, including older adults, early childhood trilinguals, and individuals from rural or monolingual-dominant regions. Such inclusion would allow for a more comprehensive analysis of how variables such as age, linguistic exposure, and local language ecology influence lexical access and processing in multilingual individuals. These demographic extensions could reveal developmental, experiential, and sociolinguistic dimensions of multilingual lexical organization that are not captured in studies with homogenous participant pools.

Furthermore, integrating neuroimaging techniques—such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) or Electroencephalography (EEG)—would offer valuable insights into the neural correlates of lexical activation and selection in multilingual speakers. These methods could empirically substantiate behavioral findings and help delineate the cognitive and neurological mechanisms underlying the management of multiple lexicons. By combining behavioral data with neurophysiological evidence, future studies can deepen our understanding of how multilingual minds store, access, and control language in both everyday and cognitively demanding contexts.

References

  1. Dijkstra, T., & van Heuven, W. J. B. (2002). The architecture of the bilingual word recognition system: From identification to decision. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 5(3), 175–197.
  2. Kroll, J. F., & Tokowicz, N. (2005). Models of bilingual representation and processing: Looking back and to the future. In J. F. Kroll & A. M. B. De Groot (Eds.), Handbook of Bilingualism (pp. 531–553). Oxford University Press.
  3. Levelt, W. J. M. (1989). Speaking: From Intention to Articulation. MIT Press.
  4. de Groot, A. M. B. (2011). Language and Cognition in Bilinguals and Multilinguals: An Introduction. Psychology Press.
  5. Marian, V., Blumenfeld, H. K., & Kaushanskaya, M. (2007). The Language Experience and Proficiency Questionnaire (LEAP-Q): Assessing language profiles in bilinguals and multilinguals. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 50(4), 940–967.

Poetry from Eva Petropoulou Lianou

Middle aged European woman with a smile, light straight long dark hair, and a lake and trees behind her.

I need to write a poem

A poem that will serve as peacekeeper

Between the God And Humanity

Between the brothers and sisters

Between my self and my mood

I need to find the verses

Be completely different from the past

And so new to fit in the present

Need to have one truth

Justified and accepted

Need to write a new story

A new book about the life

Every single day is a new discovery

People become evil

Failure earn in so many levels

And love is replaced with food

People are divided

Between those who love the food

Between those who love the humanity 

Need to write a poem about the fear

And the dark

But many of stars are shining

So must not afraid of darkness. But definitely need to re organize in our mind what the unknown is like?

People are divided

Between those who love the food

Between those who love the humanity

Is so, difficult to think with the stomach full

People forgot to love and they become

Slaves of their stomach

Little servants of this great stomach

That cannot filter anything

Poetry unites people

Poetry travels more fast than the unknown words, that remain unborn

In the mind of an author…

Need to write a poem 

About the happiness

The smile of the childrens

The journey that never ends….

Who is the captain of the boat??

Poetry from Maftuna Rustamova

Young Central Asian teen girl posing with an award and a book in a room with cutouts of her national leaders.

ZULFIYAKHANIM

Uzbek women’s,

Nomusi and arysi

Of patience and perseverance,

Without an infinite ocean

Your life path is original,

Is one fiction book

Darkness dims light,

Exclamation to light

Saras of poets

Poems excellent barisi

Elegant as a spring flower

We-chun dear, dear

Awards and orders

Established in this

Zulfiyakhanim daughter

I’ll be on a fast day.

Open to science hand

Hold on to us hand

To Uzbek women

You showed the great way.

Maftuna Rustamova of the Bukhara region, Jondor district, Rabot village, 30th secondary school pupil