Ciro, eleven years old, a torrent of energy contained in a body and an intellectual mind. Your eyes, two deep pools reflecting the blue sky, serene yet full of the restlessness typical of your age. In them I see the future, a path yet to be charted, full of infinite possibilities. A future that fills me with pride and hope.
Constantino, eight years old, a spring sun in your shining blond curls. Your laughter, a spring that flows endlessly, brightening every moment. You are joy personified, a whirlwind of pure energy that infects everyone around you. A hug from you is a shot of optimism, a balm that heals any sorrow.
Milo, five years old, a little dark-skinned prince, sweet as honey. Your eyes, two bright stars that shine with radiant innocence. Your silence, sometimes, speaks louder than a thousand words, conveying a deep and comforting peace. You are the calm after the storm, the warm embrace that comforts me at the end of the day. A sweet whisper that reminds me of life’s simple beauty.
I love my princes.
GRACIELA NOEMI VILLAVERDE is a writer and poet from Concepción del Uruguay (Entre Rios) Argentina, based in Buenos Aires She graduated in letters and is the author of seven books of poetry, awarded several times worldwide. She works as the World Manager of Educational and Social Projects of the Hispanic World Union of Writers and is the UHE World Honorary President of the same institution Activa de la Sade, Argentine Society of Writers. She is the Commissioner of Honor in the executive cabinet IN THE EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL RELATIONS DIVISION, of the UNACCC SOUTH AMERICA ARGENTINA CHAPTER.
Poetry submissions to North of Oxford’s Streur Anthology are now open!
North of Oxford would like to pay tribute to the late Russell Streur, poet and publisher of The Camel Saloon and The Plum Tree Tavern with an online anthology dedicated to Nature. Send us your poems of Nature, of floral and fauna, of forests and trees, of rivers, creeks and streams. Of farms, of urban nature, of parks and sanctuaries, of oceans and bays, of islands, of all things, Nature.
Send one to three poems for consideration of publication to North of Oxford at sahmsguarnieriandreutter@gmail.comSubject line of submission: Streur Anthology. Submissions will be accepted until 5/31/25. Only submissions attached as word doc will be reviewed. Please include a 100-word bio within the word doc.
Jacques Fleury’s book You Are Enough: The Journey Towards Understanding Your Authentic Self
Eva Petropoulou Lianou shares a short film inspired by NASA’s inclusion of her poetry in a capsule launched to the moon.
Synopsis On 26th February 2025 NASA launched a capsule with poems to the moon, one of them was the anti-war poem “Happy Birthday”. Written by Eva Lianou Petropoulou, Directed & Animated by Zina Papadopoulou, Music & Sound by Grigoris Grigoropoulos
Lunar codex, Athena, Minerva Excelsior, The Vagabond Anthology, edited by Mark Lipman, dedicated to the Palestinian poet Ahmed Miqdad
Also, our contributor Brian Barbeito’s new book has just come out, When I Hear the Night. This is a prose poem and landscape photography book. Included with the words and pictures are two literary and dynamic introductory essays, one by poet and editor Jude Goodwin, and another by the writer and editor Mary Buchanan Sellers, figures current and thus well-informed in the field. There are also author notes and question-and-answer sections. The writings can be said to have interesting elements of memoir, essay, belle-lettres, poetry, and short story forms. Their content often includes the mystic and inner vision of the author coupled with the outside world of nature walking and travel.
Now, for May 2025’s first issue: Paradoxical Understandings. In this issue, we explore various perspectives and vantage points, how multiple things can be true at once in our complex universe.
On a more personal level, Peter Cherches writes of understandings and misunderstandings, how much we can come to know or forget about those closest to us. Aziza Xazanova urges human understanding through avoiding assumptions and listening with empathy. Daniel De Culla relates a story where a person in trouble simply seeks a listening ear, not rescue.
One way people can understand each other better is by learning each other’s languages. Several contributors discuss pedagogical methods for language teaching.
Other contributors reinterpret language in concrete and abstract ways. Jerome Berglund renders different poetic forms into concrete images. Noah Berlatsky contributes a humorous poem about procrastination that uses repetition as a literary device. Christina Chin and Uchechukwu Onyedikam craft joint tan-renga poems, finishing each other’s pieces with images of music, nature, rest, and memories. Rus Khomutoff’s concrete poetry takes us on a journey of surrealism, music, and romance.
Like Khomutoff, other writers travel deep into their own psyches. Brian Barbeito reflects on his thought process and creative journeys, considering how he both opens his mind to emptiness and enlightenment and, like a skilled hockey player, remembers the basics of his craft. On another note, Nigar Nurulla Khalilova evokes writers’ block and an intense, foul mood as harsh as the Arab Simoom wind.
Mesfakus Salahin ponders the fragility of human identity and self-concept. Mark Young’s poetry explores creative processes, relationships, and the search for meaning. Texas Fontanella’s music digs deep for a dose of duende. Tagrid Bou Merhi draws on train travel as a metaphor for introspection and longing for one’s past or future. Stephen Jarrell Williams crafts a series of verses describing a person’s inner struggle and renewal. Ari Nystrom-Rice explores identity, wondering who he truly is underneath the surface. Mexribon Shodiyeva’s poetry celebrates the fragile butterfly and the beauty of being yourself. Shamsiya Khudoynazarova Turumovna relates having had the courage to free herself from an unhealthy situation and walk her own path.
Paul Cordeiro speaks to the aftermath of significant relationships and events and to how our feelings can reshape our memories. On a less serious level, Mark Blickley develops a farcical story of unemployment fraud inspired by a photo of a man with a sheep skull, where a character invests deeply into reinventing himself.
On a more cosmic level, Jack Mellender’s work looks at space, time, and humanity’s place in the universe. Ummnusalma Nasir Mukhtar relates a fanciful and expansive dream where she traveled to the moon and stars and gathered her strength. Jacques Fleury’s photography encourages us to view life from different vantage points, exploring concepts as varied as travel, physical attraction, thought, and justice.
Duane Vorhees reflects on ancient archetypes and how we tell stories about ourselves. Sayani Mukherjee reflects on the constant turbulence of human and natural history. Dr. Jernail S. Anand probes some basic paradoxes of modern human life.
Rezauddin Stalin reflects on the beauty and the price of freedom as Blue Chynoweth reflects on the blessing and curse of being able to contemplate one’s place in the universe rather than living by instinct.
Mahbub Alam wonders whether love or self-destruction will win the day. As a person of faith grappling with these issues, Chimezie Ihekuna addresses life’s seemingly intractable struggles, suffering, and human evil, and also God’s implacable goodness in a paradoxical couplet of poems. Lilian Dipasupil’s paired poems take a similar approach, warning of child kidnapping while honoring the love and sacrifice of Jesus.
As writers, one of the ways we can respond to evil is to bear witness and document it as a warning. This is one of the roles of journalism. Davronova Asilabonu affirms the value of journalism and speculates on the field’s future.
More traditionally literary writing can bear witness as well. Yucheng Tao provides a sobering reminder of the historical massacres of the indigenous people of the American West by European settlers and of many Cambodians later in history by the Khmer Rouge. Z.I. Mahmud explores how Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles brought realism into detective fiction, illustrating the monstrosity of human greed and vengeance. Rahmat Muhammad laments how people where she lives in northern Nigeria no longer honor elders and ancestors as much as they should.
Shuhratbekova Gulzoda describes the historical contributions of the humanist Jadid leaders of Uzbekistan to art, literature, science, and culture. Dilobar Maxmarejabova expresses her pride in her Uzbek heritage and her hometown of Qashqadaryo. Hashimjonova Durdana affirms her pride in her Uzbek heritage and culture. Nozima Gofurova outlines the many achievements of today’s Uzbek youth.
Bhagirath Choudhary points to the role of literature in terms of helping people and societies evolve to become more humane. Dr. Jernail S. Anand illuminates the power of art and literature to touch people’s hearts and souls and inspire wiser and more compassionate behavior.
Alexander Klujev highlights connections between Russian music and Russian philosophy and how both honor the triumph of life over death.
Various contributions celebrate different aspects of life. Shahnoza Ochildiyeva enjoys a picnic with her classmates on a sunny spring day. Su Yun evokes the struggle and beauty of flowers growing in an urban environment. Isabel Gomez de Diego photographs childhood exuberance in a neighborhood where humans coexist with nature, trees and bike paths near city apartments. Eva Petropoulou Lianou crafts a story around the evocatively named “Hero’s Path,” a hiking trail near a European monastery. She finds simple joy in nature and travel. Manik Chakraborty takes poetic inspiration from misty mountains as Taro Hokkyo honors his muse and the land on which he writes.
Marjona Jorayeva Baxtiyorovna expresses her respect for women and the feminine, which she links to nurturing and compassion. Gulsanam Qurbonova celebrates the tender nurturing of a mother’s love. Vo Thi Nhu Mai reflects on the warmth and tenderness of her childhood in Vietnam and how that inspired her creativity. Kylian Cubilla Gomez’ photography captures vintage childhood images: Snoopy, old Easter themed toys, a colorful frog, even possibly Dad’s aftershave. David Sapp enters the mind of a three-year-old, excited about cereal and dogs. Marjona Jo’rayeva relates her enthusiasm for a fresh term at school.
Kristy Raines expresses the simple yet profound joy of two souls finding true love and choosing each other. Eid Saleh writes in English and Arabic of the meeting of souls in a similar way, and refers both to romance and to close friendship. Qaraboyeva Zilola expresses the tender urgency, trepidation, and obsession of young love. Marley Manalo-Ladicho ignites a fiery love feast in his poetry.
However, as Taylor Dibbert points out in his brief poem, romances, and other sources of happiness, aren’t guaranteed to last.
Tuliyeva Sarvinoz’ elegant poetry laments lost love as Mirta Liliana Ramirez honors the memory of a beloved, asserting that she’s not yet ready to move forward. Eva Petropoulou Lianou touches on the tenderness of human hearts and how many of us carry emotional trauma. J.J. Campbell’s poems describe a soul’s slow descent into misery and cynicism. Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal speaks to social and psychological entrapment, stuck with folks tired of his old stories. Linda S. Gunther’s short story “Bake Me a Banyan Tree” explores what we owe our loved ones and how far we would go for them.
Eric Barr’s poetry reflects the realities of navigating life after a stroke. Manik Chakraborty laments destruction caused by a fire as Mykyta Ryzhykh reimagines the Three Little Pigs into a futuristic dystopia in light of environmental destruction. Don Bormon evokes extreme desert heat and the specter of climate change.
Alex S. Johnson takes us on a mythical journey to transmute sorrow in a poem translated into Greek by Cassandra Alogoskoufi.
Sometimes what one needs to overcome suffering isn’t as complex as alchemy, but can just be time at home curled up with one’s cat. Nicholas Gunther’s poem describes a weary soul’s desire to return home after a long journey. Bill Tope’s short story explores how a senior cat helped bring an older woman out of depression after society made both feel useless.
We hope that Synchronized Chaos can inspire creativity, bear witness to the joys and pains of the world, and transform sorrow and stagnation. Please enjoy this issue!
On the international success of Laziza Sherzodbek qizi Usmonova Today, the youth of Uzbekistan are achieving great heights not only in science, but also in art, sports, and many other fields, proudly representing our nation on the international stage. It is particularly heartening to see a growing number of talented students in children’s music schools gaining recognition.
Among such gifted individuals, Laziza Sherzodbek qizi Usmonova holds a special place. She is a 6th-grade student at the Piano Department of the Andijan City Children’s School of Music and Art No. 1. With her deep love for art, dedication, and hard work, she has achieved numerous successes.
Recently, Laziza won first place at the prestigious international competition-festival “AD LIBITUM” held in our country. This victory is the result of her thorough preparation, stage confidence, and deep focus on music. All evaluation criteria of the festival confirmed her well-developed performance skills.
Laziza was admitted to the music school in 2019, and over the years, she has participated in many events and competitions at school, city, regional, and national levels. Each of her performances has captured the attention of audiences and judges. Throughout her creative journey, she has been awarded several top prizes at both national and international festivals.
Her musical education and creative development have been significantly influenced by her class teacher and mentor, Lyudmila Vasilevna Ogay. Her teacher’s guidance, pedagogical approach, and patience have become important pillars in Laziza’s artistic journey. It is also worth noting that Laziza’s achievements are deeply supported by family love, care, and encouragement. In particular, the conditions created by her grandmother, Nodira Jabborova, play a vital role in nurturing Laziza’s musical education and realizing her creative potential.
Currently, Laziza is successfully continuing her studies both at the music school and in her general education school. Additionally, she is paying special attention to learning foreign languages — an important step toward becoming a well-rounded individual. As part of the competition, Laziza had the unique opportunity to perform on the stage of the renowned Organ Hall of the State Conservatory. Performing in such a venue is a dream for any young artist. Therefore, sincere gratitude is extended to the organizers of the competition and to all those who are opening the path of artistic growth for the younger generation.
Undoubtedly, talented youths like Laziza are the result of the ongoing reforms in the art sector in our country. Their accomplishments are a source of pride not only for themselves, but for our entire nation. We look forward to seeing many more achievements from Laziza Usmonova in the future. We are confident that her musical path will be bright and that through her art, she will continue to elevate Uzbekistan’s name on the international stage.
Nozima Gofurova is a student of Uzbekistan Journalism and Mass Communication University.
The main principles of the division of words into categories in the language under study
Student of Andijan State Institute of Foreign Languages Abdullajonova Rayhona Arabjon qizi Abdullajonovarayhona874@gmail.com +998886630603 Scientific Supervisor: Odina Ismanova
ANNOTATION. Die Klassifikation von Wörtern in Wortarten spielt eine zentrale Rolle beim Spracherwerb, insbesondere beim Erlernen der deutschen Sprache. Diese Arbeit untersucht die grundlegenden Prinzipien der Wortartenzuordnung im Deutschen unter Berücksichtigung didaktischer, linguistischer und kognitiver Aspekte. Besonderes Augenmerk gilt der Bedeutung von grammatischen und semantischen Merkmalen sowie der Rolle des Kontextes beim Lernprozess.
Annotation. The classification of words into parts of speech is crucial in language acquisition, especially when learning German. This paper examines the core principles of word categorization in German, taking into account didactic, linguistic, and cognitive aspects. Special attention is paid to the importance of grammatical and semantic features, as well as the role of context in the learning process.
SCHLÜSSELWÖRTER: Wortarten, Sprachdidaktik, Deutsch als Fremdsprache, Grammatik, Sprachlernen, Semantik, Syntax KEYWORDS: Parts of speech, language didactics, German as a foreign language, grammar, language learning, semantics, syntax In the process of learning a language, the ability to correctly understand words and divide them into categories is one of the main competencies for the learner.
Especially when learning German, correctly distinguishing parts of speech (Wortarten) is important for improving language structure and clarity. Each word belongs to a certain category according to its meaning, form and function in the sentence. This article analyzes the linguistic, didactic and cognitive framework for word categories in the case of the German language. It also discusses the challenges encountered in the learning process, ways to overcome them and effective teaching strategies.
1. The concept of Wortarten and its necessity. There are 10 main categories of words in German: Substantiv (noun), Verb (verb), Adjective (adjective), Adverb (ravish), Artikel (article), Pronomen (pronoun), Numerale (number), Präposition (preposition), Konjunktion (connective), Interjektion (vowel). These categories of words differ according to their mutual meaning, morphological and syntactic signs.
For example, nouns always change with gender, number and verbs, respectively, according to person, tense and date.
2. Criteria for the separation of parts of speech. Formal criteria: By means of these criteria, a category is determined on the basis of the appearance of a word, that is, its morphological forms (flexions). For example, words ending in the suffixes “-heit, -keit, -ung” are considered Substantiv: “Schönheit”, “Bewegung”. Semantic criteria: Based on the meaning of a word, it can be divided into a specific category.
For example, action words (gehen, sprechen) are usually verb. Syntactic criteria: Determined on the basis of the place of a word in a sentence and its relationship with other words. For example, nouns are most often accompanied by the article: “Der Hund”, “Ein Buch”.
3. Problems that arise in the learning process. For those who are learning, the German flexion system may seem quite complicated. Some words can be used in more than one category: “Laufen” (verb): I run every morning. “Das Laufen” (noun): Running is fun. In addition, the meaning and category change depending on the context: “Good” (adjective): a good person “Good” (adverb): It tastes good
4. Didactic approaches. In learning German, you can increase the effectiveness of the teaching of parts of speech through didactic methods. The following approaches are particularly important:
Thematic approach: Words are selected based on topics that are relevant to the students’ interest (e.g., “Friendship”, “Sports”, “Family”) and they are taught in context. With this approach, the student learns vocabulary on the basis of semantic groups. Gramma-based approach: The morphological features of each word group (e.g., the arrival with an article, the change of the verb with tenses) are explained consistently. This approach allows you to thoroughly master German grammar.
Communicative Approach: Words are taught through real-life conversations, dialogue, and role-playing. This method ensures the active participation of students and helps in the practical application of grammatical knowledge.
Visual Approach: Words are explained using pictures, diagrams, and diagrams. This is especially effective for readers whose visual perception is strong. Teaching via Interactive Technologies: Conducting interactive exercises, online tests, and simulation classes using multimedia tools will engage students in the classroom.
Integrative Approach: New words are taught in a way that is integrated with listening comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking competencies. This approach harmonizes activities in four languages.
5. Analysis by Case Studies. The following words are used in different categories based on context: “Because” (conjunction): I’m staying at home because it’s raining. “Weile” (noun): After a while he came back. “Noch” (adverb): I still have time. “Still” (particle): It’s even bigger than I thought.
6. Cognitive Approach and Psycholinguistic Factors. The use of schematic theory, chunking and input flood methods in dividing phrases into groups according to the process of memorization and comprehension of learners is effective. In particular, perception through sight and hearing (multimodal input) increases efficiency.
Correct recognition of parts of the German language and solid handling, play an important role in improving the language competence of the learner. Through parts of speech, the grammatical construction of the language becomes understandable, the possibility of clear expression becomes possible in the construction of sentences and speech development. A harmonious application of interactive, thematic, grammatical and communicative approaches in the learning process increases the motivation of the students.
Also, working with words that have multiple meanings and context, teaching them in a practical way in the classroom will serve to thoroughly master the language. It is important for teachers to use modern didactic methods, to use multimodal approaches in the lessons, to offer assignments that enable students to think independently and perform grammatical analysis. Teaching strategies based on comprehension through logical connections and context, not just memorization, give higher results. In conclusion, a deep understanding of parts of speech develops not only grammatical knowledge, but also communicative skills and makes the process of mastering the language effective.
REFERENCES 1. Duden – The Grammar. 9th edition. Mannheim: Dudenverlag, 2016. 2. Helbig, G./Buscha, J. (2010): German Grammar. Ein Handbuch für den Ausländerunterricht. Langenscheidt. 3. Eisenberg, P. (2013): Grundriss der deutschen Grammatik. Stuttgart: Metzler. 4. Zifonun, Gisela et al. (1997): Grammar of the German Language. de Gruyter.
5. Hentschel, Elke / Weydt, Harald (2002): Deutsche Grammatik. Berlin: de Gruyter. 6. Durrell, Martin (2011): Hammer’s German Grammar and Usage. Routledge. 7. Thurmair, Maria (2013): Exercises on German Grammar. Hueber Verlag.
ANNOTATION: This article analyzes the role and significance of digital game materials and textbooks in modern education. The educational process considers the positive aspects of digital games in increasing student engagement, strengthening knowledge and increasing motivation. The article provides information on methods of working with textbooks based on modern digital technologies, their advantages and disadvantages
АННОТАТЦИЯ:материалов и учебников в современном образовании. Рассмотрены положительные стороны использования цифровых игр в образовательном процессе: повышение активности обучающихся, закрепление знаний и повышение мотивации. Также приведены методы работы с современными цифровыми учебниками, их преимущества и недостатки.
Keywords: digital game, interactive textbook, instructional technology, teaching materials, modern lesson
Today, digital technologies penetrate deeply into every aspect of our lives. Especially in the education system, the opportunity to facilitate the learning process of students and make it more interesting is expanding thanks to digital game materials and modern electronic textbooks. The fact that interactive tools serve to develop students’ skills for independent thinking, critical analysis and problem solving is fueling interest in this field. This article extensively covers the advantages of digital game materials and textbooks, their influence on the educational process and their application in practice.
Digital games – innovative approach in education. With digital games, students can be encouraged to be active, reinforce knowledge, learn to think quickly. For example, digital quizzes or problem-solving games used in maths lessons keep children interested and deepen their knowledge.
Advantages of digital textbooks. Fast and easy access to information. Easier to understand with visual and audio materials
Reinforce knowledge through interactive lessons
Methods of using digital tools in the teaching process.
Teachers choose methods appropriate for different age groups through the use of digital games and interactive tutorials when planning a lesson. For example, in elementary grades, more picture and sound games are used, and in higher grades, tests and simulations are used. Disadvantages of digital games and textbooks
The need for expensive technical means.Internet addictionPotential for Readers to Be Distracted.Readers’ Feedback and Analysis of Results.
Based on surveys and experience, it was found that student participation increased by 40% in lessons using digital games, while the level of comprehension of lesson materials improved significantly.
With the development of digital technologies, fundamental changes are also taking place in the field of education. Traditional classroom methods are being replaced by modern, interactive and technological solutions. A special role in this process is played by digital game materials and textbooks. They not only capture the students’ attention but also allow teachers to organize the lesson effectively. Especially during the pandemic, with the development of the distance education system, the need for digital tools has grown even more. In this article, the advantages of digital games and textbooks, the methodology of their use and their effectiveness in education are widely discussed.Digital game materials in education: opportunities and advantages Digital games are interactive platforms through which students actively participate in the acquisition of knowledge. For example, in language learning programs, it is possible to increase vocabulary, develop logical thinking through mathematical games. This type of game has the following advantages:Increases motivation.Creates an active learning environment.Provides feedback capability.Encourages independent learning.
Digital textbooks and their advantages Digital textbooks consist of text, video, audio, and interactive assignments, providing more options than traditional textbooks. Thanks to them, the student can at any time review the material, independently study what he does not understand. Also, their interactivity makes the learning process liven.Methods of using digital games and textbooks in the educational process The following methodological approaches are important in the process of using digital games and textbooks:Choosing a game or app that matches the lesson topic.Proper time planning.Organize group work.Development of final evaluation system.Cons and Problems of Using Digital Tools Like any medium, digital games and textbooks have their problematic aspects:Lack of technical means.Internet addiction.Spending too much time in front of a screen can have a negative impact.Prospects of digital educational tools It is expected that games and textbooks based on artificial intelligence, AR/VR technologies will be widely used in the future. Thanks to them, the individualization is strengthened, the quality of education increases and the level of knowledge of students increases.Conclusion Digital game materials and textbooks are becoming an important link in the modern education system. Thanks to them, the learning process becomes not only effective, but also interesting and motivating. The use of such tools in the correct methodology gives an important role in improving the level of knowledge of students.
Jo‘rayeva Marjona Baxtiyorovna was born on October 18, 2003, in the Termiz district of Surxondaryo region, Uzbekistan. She is a third-year student in the Uzbek language and literature department at the Faculty of Foreign Language.
