of innocence lingering on the readier side of my face
when I cover the opposite side with a book
standing in front of a mirror, its LED square,
with a swirled boundary of yin and yang persisting
as I shift the book, looking at my look, this side
then that side, seeing here the careworn singer
cricket of summer, there the burdening ant
in how one brow lifts, the other will not.
The flare of both nostrils, one declaring
Something around here’s gone sour…the other’s wing
wanting to increase its faith in burning
one more lavender candle. The shush cleft
of the upper lip hopelessly wanting to give its secret
away with a grin, the teeter-totter down
side of the mouth from a tick it’s got working
out our monthly budget. All the blame
on either side of me bristles with two-day stubble
counter-patterned to keep my Gillette attentive.
Dad? Is that you? Mom? From how deep, I must
be seeing the bust from an old temple for Janus
in times that modeled inordinate hiving of
our DNA in enchanted unison under
harvest moons. Moon face. Bright eyes—
one with a sagging lid. The one cheek
less buttoned, the sharper one. Is there no truth
in the balance of your scales?—now peering,
without the book, for the wholeness of my one regard,
wanting to un-see this divide
I have so looked into this curious hour, to the open
pores. And oh wrinkles, where is that cream for you?
Radar
Each time I beam in on one in the movies
my own searching nearness dimly flickers.
Time quickens with the needle
sweeping the element in reach
where you had always been. Then one day
your look stilled in mine, just for a bleep,
and you smiled. My eyes batted.
The sea of the world turned opaque,
enveloping, swimming clear in anonymity
where, closer, closer, read and reread
back and forth like a palindrome, singularly
that flash of you pulsed and blossomed
again on the dark instrument of Who’s there?
The slip away? The jolt and tremor? What is
everything? Seeing it come for you?
Skywalk
A pheasant’s flight over a country road
came to mind once when I was in the city
tubed in the glass of a skywalk
looking down at the traffic on the street
on the way from one building’s wide throughways
past pricey boutiques to a Starbucks and ATMs.
Under gray rain, if you knew your way
through the construction labyrinth of downtown,
you didn’t need to open an umbrella.
Mine kept furled neatly in my hand.
My head was full of everything going
into work, with this one suspended glimpse
of the world around me thickening in a drum
of downpour, then hushing at the let-up,
the dark wet street below eye-beamed
with headlights, glowing with tail lights.
Night had fallen clear on my way home.
I had a minute to stop and hover
imagining myself sole in ascent
through a hazy nimbus of the buildings’ lights
up into an utter blind gap of space
where the charts of the stars clustered
to a stunned emptying of the mind before
I came down with my nothing among the commuters.
Michael Todd Steffen’s third book, I Saw My Life, is being published by Lily Press (www.lilypress.com) in March 2026. Mike lives in Somerville, Massachusetts. He helps coordinate The Hastings Room Reading Series and frequently publishes articles about new and established poets on the Boston Area Small Press and Poetry Scene website. His poems have appeared in journals, including The Boston Globe, The Dark Horse, Everse Radio,North of Oxford and Ibbetson Street. Boris Dralyuk (managing editor for Nimrod Journal) writes, I have read [Steffen’s] poems with enormous satisfaction. His lines are supple and wear their unmistakable wisdom lightly.
Beyond Heaven Beyond Hell is not JUST an epic poem: beyond that, it’s a philosophical inquisition staged as verse play, where divinity and humanity alike are compelled to give testimony, along with technology and conscience. Anand builds a cheeky metaphysical architecture where Heaven and Hell are no longer places you go, but states of being, and Earth is the fiercely contested reach between them. The epic posits an extreme thesis: Modern man’s moral crisis surpassed the traditional eschatology, requiring other ethical tools — judiciousness with AI, say — to read the ledger of handiwork.
At the heart of the work lies a brutal dichotomy: good is punished, evil prospers and divine justice seems slow, opaque, even corrupt. Such tension constitutes the dramatic engine of the poem.
Figures such as God, Dharmaraja, Chitragupta, Narad, Craza (the techno-king), and Robertica (the sentient machine) are not ornamental allegorical figures; they are dialectical catalysts through which Anand examines power, obligation and crimes against clear conscience. “ICU of AI” is most striking: a chillingly modern purgatory where conscience is scanned, intention weighed and punishment optimized. Here, speed replaces mercy, efficiency takes the place of mystery — and even the gods get nervous. So be it, kind of: progress goes both ways.
The epic is an artificial form that combines scriptural cadences, dramatic dialogue, chorus and philosophical treatise. The prose is deliberately plain-spoken — sometimes plain-old spoken to the point of bluntness — forgoing florid beauty in service of moral clarity. Such refrains as “Language has been used on an enormous humanity scale to delude the masses” are not poetic metaphors but moral axioms. The power of the epic lies in repetition, accumulation, relentless questioning: Why do people pray yet not act? How is it that the leaders are well and the good are ill?
How fear triumphs when wisdom loses. Anand refuses such easy comforts; he insists on responsibility.
But a corner is turned when the poet finds himself brought before God, while still alive.
The epic’s social critique is just as unsparing. Religious heads, power brokers and the socalled “Club of the Wise” are revealed as empty holders of delegated authority. Shrines are turned into stages, rituals become form without meaning and wisdom the mask for greed.
When catastrophe at last rouses humanity’s fear, the poem compels its bitterest irony: terror restores faith where conscience had failed. What teaching failed to accomplish, thunder does. That is the verdict, as chilling as it is unforgettable.
Ultimately, Beyond Heaven Beyond Hell claims that there is nothing to look for in Heaven or Hell— both places are already instantiated in human behavior. The epic is a moral seismograph of our times: technologically advanced, ethically beggared — theatrically devout, spiritually adrift. Anand writes with prophetic urgency, not to entertain or please, but to warn. You do not close this book comforted; you close it implicated.
Uzbekistan’s Culture: A Journey Through History and Modernity
Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia, boasts a rich cultural heritage that blends ancient traditions with contemporary life. Its culture has been shaped over millennia by various civilizations, trade routes, and peoples, making it a unique mosaic of art, music, architecture, and literature. From the era of the Silk Road to modern times, Uzbekistan has been a crossroads of ideas, religions, and artistic expression, giving rise to a deeply layered cultural identity.
The cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva stand as timeless symbols of Uzbekistan’s cultural richness. These cities, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are home to magnificent mosques, madrasahs, mausoleums, and palaces. Their intricate tile work, carvings, and decorative patterns reflect centuries of craftsmanship and artistic excellence. For example, the Registan in Samarkand, with its grand madrasa ensembles, showcases the architectural genius of the Timurid era. Similarly, Bukhara’s Ark Fortress and Kalon Minaret highlight the city’s historical significance as a center of learning and trade. These historical monuments not only tell stories of the past but also inspire modern architectural projects, blending classical designs with contemporary creativity.
Music and Performing Arts
Music is an integral part of Uzbek culture. Traditional forms such as Shashmaqam, a classical Central Asian music style, continue to be performed at cultural events and celebrations. Instruments like the dutar, tanbur, and doira carry the soul of Uzbek music, providing rhythms for both ceremonies and festive gatherings. Dance also plays a significant role, from ceremonial dances performed at weddings to lively performances at cultural festivals, expressing the joy, emotions, and identity of the Uzbek people.
Folklore and oral storytelling, often accompanied by music, preserve the values and wisdom of past generations, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down to youth. Uzbek literature has a rich history, with poets such as Alisher Navoi leaving a lasting legacy. Navoi’s works, written in Chagatai Turkish, are celebrated for their depth, wisdom, and lyrical beauty, addressing themes of love, morality, and human values. Modern Uzbek writers continue this tradition, addressing contemporary social issues while preserving national identity through their literary works. Language serves as a key carrier of culture, connecting generations and fostering a sense of unity. Uzbek proverbs, sayings, and oral poetry, still widely used, reflect the philosophical and moral outlook of the nation, linking everyday life to historical roots.
Traditional Crafts and Visual Arts
Uzbekistan is renowned for its traditional crafts. Silk weaving, pottery, embroidery, and miniature painting are not only artistic expressions but also symbols of cultural identity. The city of Margilan, for instance, is famous for its silk production, while Rishtan is known for its unique ceramics, with blue-and-white patterns that have been perfected over centuries. These crafts are often passed down through families, keeping ancient techniques alive while allowing room for modern innovation. Visual arts, including calligraphy and miniature painting, remain an important medium for storytelling and spiritual expression.
Modern Culture and Creativity
Uzbek culture is not limited to history; it thrives in modern creative expressions. Contemporary Uzbek cinema, theater, visual arts, and music are gaining international recognition. Young artists bring innovation to traditional forms, merging heritage with new ideas. Cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and international collaborations highlight Uzbekistan’s commitment to both preserving and evolving its cultural identity. The fusion of modern design with traditional patterns can be seen in fashion, architecture, and media, reflecting a dynamic and evolving cultural scene.
Tourism plays a vital role in promoting Uzbek culture globally. Visitors to Uzbekistan can experience ancient Silk Road cities, vibrant bazaars, and unique handicrafts firsthand. Traditional cuisine, such as plov, samsa, and shurpa, also provides a window into daily life and cultural practices. Cultural experiences, such as attending a Navruz festival or listening to live Shashmaqam performances, allow travelers to immerse themselves in Uzbekistan’s heritage. These experiences help the world understand Uzbekistan’s historical significance and contemporary vitality, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and exchange. Uzbekistan’s culture represents a remarkable blend of history and modernity. It preserves ancient traditions while embracing creativity and innovation. Every citizen is a custodian of this heritage, contributing to its ongoing story. Through its art, music, literature, architecture, and culinary traditions, Uzbekistan continues to share its rich culture with the world, bridging the past and the future. By valuing its history and supporting modern creativity, Uzbekistan ensures that its cultural identity remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from being a futuristic concept to a significant part of our daily lives. Nowadays, AI impacts many aspects of how we live, work, and communicate. From smartphones to healthcare, AI technologies are shaping the modern world in ways that were once unimaginable. This essay dedicates the impact of AI on daily life, education, work, and society, providing both its benefits and challenges.
In our everyday life, AI is everywhere. Smart assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant help people manage tasks quickly and efficiently. They can set reminders, answer questions, or even control home devices. Online services, such as recommendation systems on Netflix or YouTube, use AI to predict what we might like, making entertainment more personal. AI also improves communication through real-time translation apps, allowing people from different countries to understand each other easily. These technologies save time, increase productivity, and make life more convenient for millions of people worldwide.
AI is also transforming education and work. In schools and universities, AI-powered platforms provide personalized learning experiences. Students can receive guidance based on their strengths and weaknesses, making studying more effective. For instance, AI tutors can help students practice languages, solve math problems, or prepare for exams. In the workplace, AI assists in automating repetitive tasks, analyzing data, and supporting decision-making. Businesses use AI to improve customer service, optimize production, and predict market trends. These applications not only save time but also allow professionals to focus on more creative and strategic tasks.
On the one hand, AI also has some challenges. One major concern is the potential loss of jobs. Automation may replace certain roles, especially in industries that rely on routine work. Another issue is privacy and security. AI systems often collect large amounts of personal data, raising questions about how this information is used and protected. Additionally, there is the risk of bias in AI algorithms, which can lead to unfair decisions in areas like hiring or lending. These challenges show that while AI offers great opportunities, society must carefully manage its development and use.
In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we live, learn, and work. Its influence is visible in everyday tasks, educational tools, and professional environments. While AI brings numerous benefits, it also requires responsible management to prevent negative consequences. As technology continues to evolve, it is essential to balance innovation with ethics and security. The future of AI is promising, but it also depends on how we, as a society, choose to use it. Will AI help us achieve more, or will it create new challenges? The answer will shape the coming decades.
My name is Saida Turdiboyeva Obid qizi, and I am a second-year student at the University of World Languages in Uzbekistan, majoring in English Philology. I am passionate about reading, writing, and exploring new ideas, especially in technology and education. I enjoy writing essays and articles that reflect my perspective on current trends, such as the impact of Artificial Intelligence on daily life.
Annotatsiya: Mazkur maqola maktab o’quvchilarida chet tilini o’rganish bilan bog’liq bo’lgan muammolarni zamonaviy usullar orqali hal etishga qaratilgan. Tadqiqotning maqsadi chet tilini o’rganayotgan yoshlar duch keladigan muammolarni aniqlash va ularga yechim topishdir. Tadqiqot jarayonida kuzatuv, tahlil, qiyosiy va tajriba metodlaridan foydalanildi. Tadqiqot natijasida til o’rganuvchi yoshlardagi muammolar o’rganilib, tahlil qilindi va kerakli yechimlar taqdim etildi.
Kalit so’zlar: xorijiy til, metod, kommunikatsiya, an’anaviy usul, zamonaviy usul, ta’lim sifati.
Abstract: This article is aimed at solving the problems related to learning a foreign language among schoolchildren through modern methods. The purpose of the study is to identify the problems faced by young people learning a foreign language and find solutions to them. Observational, analytical, comparative and experimental methods were used in the research process. As a result of the research, the problems of young language learners were studied, analyzed and necessary solutions were presented.
Keywords: foreign language, method, communication, traditional way, modern way, quality of education.
Аннотация: Данная статья направлена на решение проблем, связанных с изучением иностранного языка школьниками современными методами. Цель исследования – выявить проблемы, с которыми сталкивается молодежь, изучающая иностранный язык, и найти пути их решения. В процессе исследования использовались наблюдательные, аналитические, сравнительные и экспериментальные методы. В результате исследования были изучены, проанализированы проблемы молодых людей, изучающих язык, и предложены необходимые решения.
Ключевые слова: иностранный язык, метод, коммуникация, традиционный метод, современный метод, качество образования.
Introduction: In the 21st century, learning foreign languages has become one of the most important factors of global and local development. Today, knowledge of foreign languages is of incomparable importance for personal and professional development, expanding international cooperation, and increasing competitiveness. Learning a foreign language not only creates opportunities for communication but also opens up new opportunities in the fields of education, science, tourism, information technology, and culture. Also, knowing foreign languages broadens a person’s worldview and helps to understand different cultures and values. Therefore, attention to learning foreign languages is closely related to the intellectual potential and future development of society.
Although learning foreign languages is interesting, this process is not easy, especially for children of today it is considered quite laborious. Just as learning foreign languages is relevant at any time, ways to overcome difficulties in this process are as relevant as ever. This article identifies some of the problems and difficulties that school-age children face in learning a language and provides necessary recommendations for solving them. These recommendations will help young language learners learn the language easier and faster, and language teachers will work more efficiently with less effort.
Research methodology
This study was conducted among 100 randomly selected schoolchildren from within the school, aged 10-18 years, who differ in age and gender.
Among 20 students aged 10-12, their activity and development of speaking competencies were directly observed during the lesson, based on the experimental method.
During the lesson with 30 children aged 10-15, traditional methods and modern interactive games were used, and the results were compared using the comparative method.
An anonymous survey was conducted among 50 students aged 10-18 using a questionnaire to determine their interest in learning the language and what hinders them.
The results of the study were analyzed using SPSS 26 software.
Literature review
Research in this area divides the obstacles encountered by students into two main groups: psychological – fear, low motivation – and methodological – outdated approaches.
Richards and T. Scholars such as Rodgers argue that the communicative methodology of language teaching is the most effective tool in overcoming the “language barrier” in students. They believe that the key to success is for the student, not the teacher, to be at the center of the lesson. Studies show that language acquisition rates increase significantly when teacher talk decreases and student talk increases to 70-80% during class.
The analysis of the literature shows that the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills remains a major problem in school education.
Research results and discussion
the data collected as part of the study was statistically analyzed using the SPSS 26 program.
The speech activity of 20 students, observed on the basis of the experimental method, increased dynamically during the course of the lesson. According to the results of the observation:
85% of the students showed high verbal activity during the interactive stages of the lesson.
It was found that the level of formation of speech competencies increased by 22% at the final stage compared to the beginning of the lesson (p < 0.05). The effectiveness of the experiential method based on direct communication was confirmed in children of this age.
A comparative analysis of 30 students showed that modern interactive games are superior to traditional teaching methods:
When interactive games were applied: the student’s subject acquisition coefficient was 0.84.
In the traditional method: this indicator turned out to be 0.62.
The test results, conducted through SPSS, showed that interactive games increase students’ motivation to learn by 1.4 times.
The results of an anonymous survey of 50 students revealed the following key issues:
Interest level: 72% of respondents expressed a high interest in learning foreign languages.
Obstacles:
40% – Lack of a speech communication environment (linguistic barrier).
35% – Complexity of grammatical rules and boring textbooks.
25% – Psychological timidity and fear of making mistakes.
SPSS 26 analysis showed that as students get older (15-18 years old), their interest in learning a language stabilizes, but psychological barriers increase. On the contrary, it was statistically proven that it is easier to correct speech competencies in younger students (10-12 years old) through interactive methods (R² = 0.76).
Today, schoolchildren face a number of problems in learning a foreign language. Among other things, low motivation for language learning in students, insufficient vocabulary, complexity of grammatical rules, lack of practical training for the development of oral speech, as well as the predominance of traditional teaching methods are the main causes of these problems.
Traditional methods focus mainly on memorizing rules and translating, which does not sufficiently develop students’ independent thinking and free communication skills. As a result, students become hesitant to speak in a foreign language and develop a lack of self-confidence.
Modern teaching methods play a special role in overcoming these problems. In particular, the use of the communicative approach, interactive methods, information and communication technologies, role-playing games, debates, multimedia tools, mobile applications, and online platforms increases students’ interest in the lesson. Such methods make students active participants in the learning process and allow them to use the language in real-life situations.
Also, modern methods serve to complex development of students ‘ listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills. As a result, the process of learning a foreign language will be effective and interesting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to use modern methods to solve problems in learning a foreign language among schoolchildren. Such methods increase students’ interest in the language, develop their communicative competence, and help them think independently and freely.
Therefore, the use of modern pedagogical technologies along with traditional methods in the process of teaching a foreign language, support for innovative approaches of teachers, and the organization of lessons in an interactive form are important factors in improving the quality of education.
References
J.C. Richards and T.S. Rodgers, “Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching”, Cambridge university press, 2014
