Let’s Dance

One, two, buckle your shoes.

Three, four get on the floor.

Five, six, step on your feet.

Seven, eight, dance on the beat.

Nine, ten, move like the wren.

Eleven, twelve, roll like the fawn. 

Thirteen, fourteen sway like the swan

Fifteen, sixteen, swing on the tune.

Swirl with joy, transcend time. 

Dance, the form of cultured minds.

Feel the rhythm and dance divine.

Let’s dance!

Dance Across the World

Dance across the world, 

All leave their own trace.

Ballet, balanced, flawless grace, 

Eight body limbs poised in perfect space, 

From Italy to France it spread,

Angels with pointed toes waltzing pirouette overhead

Flying on clouds, ravishing danseuse, 

Each movement a dream, tender and loose.

Ballroom couples’ alluring smiles that gleam, 

Elegant posture, rolling shoulders in style, a flowing stream.

Europe to the USA curving patterns, swaying hips, 

Thrusts and lifts; locks and drops they flip.

A story of passion silently told in a gist.

From San Francisco, the Contemporary began,

Beginnings of Modern Dance, where freedom ran. 

Legwork strong and body controlled;

Contract, release, daring and bold.

Shifts of rhythm, sudden speed,

Floor work, fall and recovery freed. 

Flamenco flames from Spain arise, 

Posture proud are main, spirit flies. 

Fierce glances turn with daring, artful charm;

Swirling flounces of dress; upheld naked arms;

Flirtatious gestures, hasty, heated rhythms;

Clapping the castanets, spread darting flame’s prism.

Street dance, hip-hop, energy vast.

Borrowed, versatile style, the die is cast.

Tap, tango, jazz dances flow.

From European, African, the American modern shows. 

Emotions and moods to design their steps, 

Feet like drums, rapid footwork sets.

Dancer’s foot and shoe work, so intricate.

Salsa and Rumba, down in Cuba, 

Fusion of dance and music of Ganzá,

Mambo, Cumbia, Festejo roll. 

Break steps, spins, loud moves and drops. 

Trinidad and Tobago do the Calypso.

Everybody dances to the beat of the disco.

Buenos Aires hums with Tango’s heat,

Milonga, flamenco, rhythms meet.

Fast, sensual dance from Argentina; 

Influences from the Cuban habanera. 

Brazilian Samba, hypnotic, bright,

Guatemala’s Marimba dances the night.

Egyptian belles sway with might,  

Dynamic shaking solo with torso twists in moonlit light.

Middle Eastern rhythms ignite. 

Torso isolates, artistry shown with body parts;

Fascinating, beautiful body art.

From India’s heart, classical dance,

Bharatanatyam tells tales at a glance.

From Tamil Nadu, southern India 

Hand mudras tell a story that’s the idea. 

Kathakali: southwestern India’s religious dance. 

Inspiration from Ramayana and Shiva’s romance 

Ramayana’s lore,

Kathak:  northern India, 

A dance of love, ghungroos implore.

Manipuri from Manipur, northeastern India.

Folk traditions and rituals, from life of God Krishna. 

Smooth and graceful, oh what charisma! 

Andhra Pradesh: Kuchipudi, sensual dancing, 

Sprinkling holy water, a ritual with singing.

Odissi, from Orissa in eastern India 

Fifty mudras, lyrical, sensuous dance

Goddesses rise, deities loom.

Dazzling, daring goddesses, deities pursue.   

Indian dance lifts souls and leaves all in a trance.

Soulful hearts immerse in beautiful romance. 

Bhangra, vibrant martial movements, folk dance from Punjab

Jhumer dancers sway folk dance with roots in Punjab, Balochistan, 

Dhali, war- themed, martial arts dance with swords and shield

Baul, mystic tradition with expressive moves and spiritual themes,

soul is healed.

Manipuri, Santal tribal dances graceful and intricate moves revealed.

Festival dances from Bangladesh fascinate the audience; they beam.

Methodical, precise, yet free;

Dancing soft, swift feet to the beat in harmony.

Perfection with passionate emotions ignite; 

Eases mind and lifts high to divinity, excites. 

Glittering garments shine like tremulous waves

Sparkling trinkets sparkle with rhythmic display. 

Dancers’ eyes ravish with rapture,

Amazing aura, audience easy to capture

Dance from east to west, north and south

Continents with diverse traditions and muse.

Dance, dance! Dance with the steps 

Shake your body, the way you can best

Let it touch your heart and soul

Let music lift you and make you whole.

Let the onlooker applaud and smile;

Stress will fade, your spirit will sing,

Poetry births song, and dance takes wing.

Poetry gives birth to music, song and dance. 

Poetry gives life, meaningful contrasts. 

Brief Biography of Tasneem Hossain

Tasneem Hossain, a multi-lingual poet, author, educator, translator and columnist from Bangladesh has left an undeniable mark on the literary world. With a major in English language and Literature, she is a prolific writer who crafts poetry in English, Bengali and Urdu. Her works span from poetry, fiction, op-eds, translations and educational writings making her a versatile and influential literary figure.   

She has immersed herself in the timeless essence of literary creations. She believes, ‘poetry is music through words, an ever-flowing river reflecting all that surrounds us.’ Tasneem writes poetry only when her passion is aroused and this can be observed in the powerful flow of her ink.  

A strong literary presence, she is a multifaceted author, a talented and gifted soul, an experienced educator and a business leader. Her profound and emotive writings have captured the hearts and illuminated the lives of countless of readers worldwide. Tasneem’s works have transcended geographical boundaries, reaching readers from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Her impactful writings have been featured in more than 280 esteemed anthologies, journals, daily newspapers and international magazines worldwide. Some of her books are available in 40 countries.

Her op-eds and columns create awareness about social and human rights issues- including domestic abuse, war and peace. Her writings are a powerful call to humanity to stand against injustice and war. As an op-ed writer, she has written more than 175 articles. 

Several of her articles and poems are utilized as teaching material in universities and academies in Bangladesh and China; some have found their way in university research papers and some have been referenced in university research papers. She also conducts international workshops on haiku writing.

Adjudged the ‘100 most influential literary figures of 2025’, by Barcelona Adibia. She is the winner of The International Literary Association Creative Tribune, Walt Whitman 2025 Contest and first place holder in the English Language category of The International Literary Association CREATIVE TRIBUNA’s ” Friedrich Schiller International Literary competition 2025”. She has also won the prestigious Giovanni Pascoli Award for 2026-2027 and Shahittyapata Award 2025 and 2026. She has won many other awards and recognition from different literary groups around the world. Her poems have been translated in 18 languages and her powerful writings are regularly featured in esteemed publications around the globe. A member of World Writers’ Union, she has been recognized as World’s Contemporary Writers 2024 and 2025 in several anthologies and interviewed on several literary platforms in recognition of her contributions to world literature. She has also been recognized as ambassador of peace and Humanities by ‘The Egyptian International Organization for Ambassadors of Peace and Humanities’

She is the Editorial Ambassador, Bangladesh for the popular international literary magazine, Wordsmith International Editorial, USA and Board Ambassador of Literacy and Culture of the Asih Sasami Indonesia Foundation, Indonesia for five years (2025-2030). 

An author of three poetry collections—Grass in Green, The Pearl Necklace, and Floating Feather and a book of articles Split and Splice, she also leads an international poetry project and group called Life in Lyrics. Additionally, four more books are currently in progress.

She served as a faculty member of Business English at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology. Currently, she is the director of the prominent human resource development organizations, Continuing Education Centre (Bangladesh), and Cansaz Services and Distribution LLC (Canada). With 29 years of experience, she is a highly regarded Business consultant, and English Language and Communication Management trainer. 

She actively participates in sports whenever the opportunity arises. She also participated in the national badminton championships in Bangladesh. For 10 years, she worked as a newscaster, commentary reader, interviewer and radio presenter for Radio Bangladesh. She has also directed plays, including Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

You can connect with Tasneem Hossain through email: cec.tasneem@gmail.com 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tasneem-hossain-280b891aa/ 

Untitled

Last night the beast of burden

preyed on darkness

the sinister weaving of mind

came into distinct presence

in a hill town, as  clouds rumbled

under black skies

Were  man and animal in conflict?

Or was it just the ghost stalking 

a town in the landscape of the wind,

sky and torrents of ghostliness?

Shillong you will never change,

ever since I knew you; to run 

through your streets in the darkness

of skies and only the call of the fox;

in wilderness of strange forests,

A terror stricken solitude…

I felt your shadow following me

as I ran home with footprints 

left behind. The moon slowly 

withered into a crescent as 

the hills were comatose

Years later I heard of 

the ghost and the bowler hatted 

horseman; as horse hooves rent night skies

Do you remember how the dark

forests groaned under the toiling

radiance of your sun, as winter moved

into bursts of cloudy seas?

Ananya S Guha lives in Shillong in North East India. He has been writing and publishing his poetry for the last forty years.

Practical Analysis of Idiom Translation between English and Uzbek

Pardayeva Yulduz

                 2nd-year Master’s Student English Language and Literature       program, Faculty of Foreign Languages, Uzbekistan

             National Pedagogical university Named After Nizami

Abstract (English). This article offers a strategy-oriented practical analysis of idiom translation between English and Uzbek in both directions. The paper systematizes the procedures most frequently required in practice, including idiom-to-idiom transfer, functional substitution, paraphrase, calque, and compensation. The results show that natural idiomatic equivalence is the strongest option when available, but functional substitution is the dominant solution because image, register, and cultural framing often differ across the two languages. The article also identifies recurrent errors such as literalism, false equivalence, register mismatch, and pragmatic loss, and proposes a staged best-practice workflow for translators.

Keywords: translation strategies, idiom-to-idiom transfer, functional substitution, paraphrase, compensation, literalism, register mismatch, translation workflow

Annotatsiya (O’zbek). Ushbu maqola ingliz va o’zbek tillari o’rtasida idiomalar tarjimasining ikki yo’nalishdagi amaliy, strategiyaga yo’naltirilgan tahlilini beradi. Maqolada idiomadan idiomaga o’tkazish, funksional almashtirish, parafraz, kalka va kompensatsiya kabi amaliy jarayonda eng ko’p uchraydigan usullar tizimlashtiriladi. Natijalar tabiiy idiomatik ekvivalent eng kuchli variant ekanini, ammo obraz, uslub va madaniy ramkalash ko’pincha farq qilgani uchun funksional almashtirish ustun strategiya bo’lishini ko’rsatadi. Shuningdek, maqolada literalizm, soxta ekvivalentlik, uslubiy nomuvofiqlik va pragmatik yo’qotish kabi xatolar aniqlanib, tarjimonlar uchun bosqichma-bosqich ish jarayoni taklif etiladi.

Kalit so’zlar: tarjima strategiyalari, idiomadan idiomaga o’tkazish, funksional almashtirish, parafraz, kompensatsiya, literalizm, uslubiy nomuvofiqlik, tarjima ish jarayoni

Introduction

A practical analysis of idiom translation must move beyond abstract theory and examine how translators actually solve problems when direct phraseological equivalence is unavailable. In English-Uzbek translation, the challenge is not only to preserve meaning, but also to decide whether image, tone, cultural reference, or discourse function should be prioritized in a given context [1; 2; 3].

The dissertation’s practical chapter shows that translators routinely work with a limited but flexible strategy set: idiom-to-idiom transfer, functional substitution, paraphrase, calque, and compensation. The success of each method depends on genre, target audience, and the interaction between semantic adequacy and pragmatic naturalness [4; 5].

The aim of this article is to summarize the dominant practical strategies and to identify the most recurrent errors that reduce translation quality in English-Uzbek and Uzbek-English idiom transfer.

Methods

The study uses comparative qualitative analysis of representative idiom pairs discussed in the dissertation and its appendices. Each solution is interpreted through a strategy lens and evaluated according to semantic adequacy, pragmatic adequacy, idiomatic naturalness, and register compatibility [1; 2; 5].

A second layer of analysis focuses on error patterns. Special attention is paid to literalism, false equivalence, proverbization, excessive colloquialization, and the loss of politeness, irony, or humor, because these errors often make idiom translation sound unnatural even when the basic meaning is recognizable [3; 6; 7].

Results

The first result is that idiom-to-idiom transfer remains the strongest solution whenever a natural counterpart exists. Pairs such as to hit the nail on the head – mixni boshiga urmoq, or tishini tishiga qo’yib chidamoq – to grit one’s teeth, preserve both rhetorical compactness and figurative energy [1; 7].

The second result is that functional substitution is the dominant practical strategy. Very often the source image is not conventional in the target language, so translators preserve the communicative effect through another idiom: when pigs fly becomes hech qachon or tuyaning dumi yerga tekkanda, and qovun tushirmoq becomes to put one’s foot in it [2; 4].

The third result is that paraphrase is necessary under non-equivalence but risky when overused. Descriptive translation protects clarity for culture-bound items such as carry coals to Newcastle or some proverb-like Uzbek idioms, yet repeated paraphrase flattens style and reduces the idiomatic density of the text; for this reason, compensation is often needed in neighboring sentences or passages [5].

The fourth result is that the most common practical errors are predictable: literal translation of non-conventional images, false equivalence based on superficial similarity, register mismatch, and pragmatic loss. In dialogue, these mistakes can distort character voice; in argumentative prose, they can weaken irony, criticism, or politeness [3; 6; 7; 8].

Discussion

The results suggest that idiom translation should follow a staged workflow: detect idiomaticity, interpret meaning in context, choose the most appropriate strategy, check the target expression for naturalness and register, and revise for consistency. This procedure is more reliable than the simple opposition between ‘literal’ and ‘free’ translation [1; 2; 4].

A second implication is that direction matters. Uzbek-English translation often needs stronger register control because proverb-like authority that sounds natural in Uzbek may sound overly didactic in modern English prose, while English-Uzbek translation often needs stronger politeness adaptation in hierarchical or evaluative contexts [3; 6].

Finally, the study shows that high-quality idiom translation depends on systematic checking rather than intuition alone. Translators need phraseological awareness, sensitivity to discourse function, and readiness to use compensation when a single local equivalent cannot preserve all layers of meaning [5; 7].

Conclusion

In practical English-Uzbek idiom translation, natural idiomatic equivalence is ideal but limited, functional substitution is the dominant solution, and paraphrase remains necessary under strong non-equivalence. The most effective professional habit is a revision-oriented workflow that tests every idiom against meaning, tone, register, and communicative effect before the translation is finalized [1; 3; 5].

References

[1] Baker, M. In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. 2nd ed. London/New York: Routledge, 2011.

[2] Newmark, P. A Textbook of Translation. London: Prentice Hall, 1988.

[3] House, J. Translation Quality Assessment: A Model Revisited. Tubingen: Gunter Narr, 1997.

[4] Toury, G. Descriptive Translation Studies and Beyond. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins, 1995.

[5] Hervey, S., & Higgins, I. Thinking Translation. 2nd ed. London/New York: Routledge, 2002.

[6] Brown, P., & Levinson, S. Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987.

[7] Moon, R. Fixed Expressions and Idioms in English: A Corpus-Based Approach. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1998.

[8] Nida, E. A. Toward a Science of Translating. Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1964.

Mother — The Light of My Life

The most sacred and dearest person in my life is my mother. A mother is kindness, patience, and the symbol of endless love. We meet many people in this world, but it is hard to find someone who loves as selflessly as a mother.

My mother is the one who brought me into this world and held me in her arms for the first time. Even when I understood nothing, she felt every cry of mine and found joy in every smile. She stayed awake at night by my side, and when I was sick, she stroked my head and prayed for me. Only as I grow older do I begin to truly understand the value of all this.

My mother’s hands have become rough from hard work, yet those same hands feel like the softest comfort to me. Even when she is tired, she never shows it. For my happiness, she is ready to sacrifice her own. Sometimes I wonder: why is a mother so kind? Because a mother’s heart lives with her child.

Now I am growing up and taking steps toward my dreams. Maybe one day I will go far away, but my mother’s prayers will always follow me. Because a mother’s prayer is the greatest strength and the strongest protection.

Everything in this world can be replaced, but no one can take a mother’s place. That is why we must cherish, respect, and show love to our mothers while we can—so that one day, unspoken words and undone kindness do not turn into regret.

Mother is the light of my life. As long as she is there, the world is bright. As long as she is there, my heart is full of hope. For me, the greatest happiness is to see my mother smile.

My name is Mubina, and my surname is Botirova. I was born on June 20, 2008. I am from Qiziltepa village, Oltiariq district, Fergana region. I am currently studying at School No. 29.

A Mother’s Prayer

For the sleepless nights I’ve lived through,

For the restless days I’ve carried through,

For the words I held back, unspoken and true,

Oh my God, let my child not suffer pain,

Grant healing too — for everything, my thanks remain.

I endure… I have always endured, it’s true,

Don’t frighten me — I might grow weak too,

Patience isn’t enough for all three at once, it’s true,

Oh my God, let my child not suffer pain,

I became a good mother — for that, I thank You again.

When I care for one, another begins to cry,

As I soothe this one, the other stands nearby,

I’m tired, so tired — that’s the honest truth I can’t deny,

Oh my God, give me strength, give me patience to hold,

And thanks to my mother, who bore me so strong and bold.

Gulchiroy Axmedova (born August 8, 1996) is a second-year student at Kokand State University, majoring in Primary and Technological Education.

The Power of Books: How Reading Shapes Our Minds

Books are more than just words on pages—they open doors to new worlds, ideas, and experiences. From the moment we learn to read, books begin to shape our minds, expand our imagination, and help us understand the world. Every story teaches us something about people, cultures, and emotions. Reading encourages curiosity, empathy, and broader thinking.

Books also develop creativity and critical thinking. While reading, we imagine scenes, interpret meanings, and connect ideas. Reading also improves vocabulary and helps us express thoughts clearly. In today’s fast-paced information age, books provide a space for deep thinking and reflection that short messages or headlines cannot replace.

Reading affects not only personal growth but also society. Readers tend to be open-minded, empathetic, and more understanding of other cultures. Knowledge gained from books helps individuals contribute more thoughtfully to their communities.

In conclusion, reading enriches our minds, hearts, and lives. It opens doors to knowledge, nurtures empathy, and strengthens creativity and critical thinking. Books are not just a form of entertainment—they are a powerful force shaping personal and social development.

My name is Nozimova Shukrona, and I was born on January 31, 2011, in Oltiariq district of the Fergana region. Currently, I am a 9th-grade student at the Fergana branch of the specialized school named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi.

Despite my young age, I have a strong interest in science and creativity. Since my early school years, I have actively participated in various academic competitions. For example, in grades 5–7, I took part in the Hippo English Olympiad and the Kangaroo Mathematics competition, where I had the opportunity to test and improve my knowledge.

In 8th grade, while studying at Specialized School No. 4 in Oltiariq, I was also a member of the “Zakovat” intellectual team, and together with my team, we achieved 4th place in the district competition. During the same year, I ranked among the top 10 in the district stage of the Al-Khwarizmi Olympiad. I have also taken part in many subject Olympiads and achieved high results.

Currently, I am participating in the provincial stage of the History Olympiad, where I continue to demonstrate my knowledge and abilities. In addition, I am a member of my school’s “Zakovat” intellectual team, and we are competing at the provincial level. Recently, I achieved a B+ level in the National Certificate exam in Uzbek Language and Literature. I am also interested in sports. When I was younger, I practiced gymnastics and won several competitions.

I actively participate in different initiatives and projects, where I not only show my eagerness to learn but also develop my leadership skills. I have clear goals for the future, and my dreams are high.

Plague vs Blessing

We praise our dragonfly, a blade of light,
It skims the ponds and thins the whining swarm
We curse the mosquito that hunts the night.

One feeds on pests, a mercy in our sight,
The other drinks from us to keep it alive and warm
We praise the dragonfly, its edge of light.

We bless what helps us sleep a little tight,
And damn what leaves our blood and bodies torn
We curse the mosquito that hunts the night.

Names come easy when the scale feels right
Boon for our comfort, pest by what it harms;
We praise the dragonfly, a spear against blight.

So ask of us, beneath history’s Ivory light:
For those who come after, what name is sworn
Were we the boon that held the future tight,
Or the pest that spreads a plague through the night?

Smokey Ash    

In every dream I see you in fire.
It wasn’t fate yet I fed the flame after the fire

My grief was silent, not like the public choir.
Each voice professed your silent under the ashes.
Of the fire

A thief of my desire
I wore you borrowed silk, its strands on fire

Shame returned as I walked by the pyre.
I was desperate, to, this time, save you from that fire.

You brought forth a truth I couldn’t acquire
We are the ash that lingers, after the fire.

Guardian

A Guardian is a protector someone with a shield
Let me tell you about my guardian
And the sword she wields.

My protector is a fighter
I have no worry about her prowess as a healer.
For me she is invulnerable as a suit of armor.
Yet even the most royal archetype can have a flaw.

I got a mirror that let me travel through time.
To see that berserker in her weakest design.
Here she was worried about her mistakes.
That she keeps making with no escape.

I showed her a photo of her family looking strong
Does that look like you’ve been doing it wrong
It looks like love patient and true
And for that love we thank you.

Thank you my dear sister
May you remain that caring guardian forever

Reilly Andre is currently in his senior year at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, NJ.