Multimodal Teaching Methodologies for Instructing Uzbek as a Foreign Language

Jo`rayeva Aziza Shavkat qizi

Uzbekistan State World Languages University

English First Faculty

Abstract: This study explores the pedagogical potential of multimodal teaching strategies in instructing Uzbek as a foreign language (UFL), particularly in the context of diverse learner profiles and increasing global interest in Central Asian languages. Traditional teaching methods often struggle to accommodate the complex linguistic and cultural dimensions of Uzbek, especially for learners from non-Turkic language backgrounds. Multimodal pedagogy—an approach that integrates visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and digital modes—offers a dynamic framework for enhancing learner engagement, facilitating comprehension, and improving communicative competence. Drawing on contemporary theories in applied linguistics, cognitive psychology, and digital pedagogy, this paper analyzes the application of multimodal strategies in real classroom settings. The study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining experimental data with qualitative feedback to assess learning outcomes across vocabulary acquisition, grammar comprehension, pronunciation, and cultural awareness. Findings suggest that multimodal instruction significantly improves both linguistic performance and learner motivation, offering inclusive solutions to common pedagogical challenges in UFL contexts. The study also identifies practical constraints, such as technological access and teacher preparedness, and proposes evidence-based recommendations for curriculum developers and language instructors. The research contributes to the broader discourse on innovation in second language education and promotes multimodal literacy as a core component of Uzbek language teaching.

Key words: multimodal pedagogy, uzbek language, foreign language teaching, learner-centered instruction, linguistic competence, educational technology.

In the 21st century, language learning has transcended traditional classroom boundaries and become increasingly intertwined with digital technology, intercultural communication, and learner-centered pedagogy. As the internationalization of education deepens, and geopolitical attention to Central Asia intensifies, the Uzbek language is witnessing growing interest among diplomats, researchers, students, and global professionals. Consequently, the need to develop effective methodologies for teaching Uzbek as a foreign language (UFL) has become both timely and essential. However, teaching Uzbek to non-native speakers—particularly those from Indo-European or Sino-Tibetan language backgrounds—presents significant challenges. As an agglutinative Turkic language, Uzbek features complex grammatical structures, including vowel harmony, extensive case usage, and elaborate verb morphology, which can be difficult for learners unfamiliar with such typological systems. Moreover, many cultural and pragmatic aspects of Uzbek remain deeply embedded in sociohistorical and communicative norms that require contextual and embodied understanding. Traditional methods, such as grammar-translation or structural drills, often focus on rule memorization rather than meaningful interaction, limiting learners’ communicative competence and intercultural fluency.

In response to such limitations, contemporary pedagogical discourse has shifted toward multimodal teaching strategies, which leverage multiple sensory channels—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and digital—to facilitate deeper and more inclusive learning experiences. Multimodality, rooted in social semiotics and cognitive linguistics, recognizes that communication is rarely monolithic and that learners process and express meaning through a rich interplay of modes. In second language acquisition (SLA), multimodal learning is not merely a matter of combining media, but a deliberate pedagogical design aimed at aligning content with diverse cognitive styles and learning needs.

Extensive research (Jewitt, 2008; Mayer, 2009; Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001) has shown that multimodal environments enhance learner motivation, support retention, and foster active engagement. In language classrooms, this might include the use of visual narratives, audio dialogues, physical enactment of grammar rules, interactive games, and digital storytelling. For languages like Uzbek—where morphological and syntactic rules can appear opaque in isolation—multimodal input provides crucial scaffolding, allowing learners to form meaningful associations and intuit patterns through sensory reinforcement.

Despite its proven efficacy in global SLA contexts, the application of multimodal teaching to Uzbek language instruction remains under-theorized and insufficiently practiced, particularly outside of specialized university programs. There is a noticeable gap in the literature regarding how multimodal strategies can be tailored to the linguistic particularities and cultural content of Uzbek, and how such approaches may improve learner outcomes across vocabulary acquisition, grammar comprehension, pronunciation accuracy, and pragmatic fluency. This paper seeks to address that gap. It explores how multimodal teaching strategies can be effectively designed, implemented, and evaluated within the context of UFL instruction. By drawing on recent interdisciplinary scholarship in applied linguistics, digital pedagogy, and cognitive psychology, this study presents both theoretical insights and empirical findings from a classroom-based intervention involving multimodal resources.

The primary objectives of this study are threefold:

1. To examine the theoretical foundations that justify the use of multimodal strategies in foreign language education;

2. To analyze the practical impact of multimodal methods on the linguistic and intercultural development of Uzbek learners;

3. To formulate evidence-based recommendations for language educators, curriculum developers, and policy-makers interested in expanding the accessibility and quality of Uzbek language teaching worldwide.

Ultimately, the study aims to contribute to the modernization of UFL pedagogy by promoting multimodal literacy as a cornerstone of 21st-century language education and by advocating for the integration of technology-enhanced, inclusive practices into Uzbek language programs across various educational settings.

The theoretical foundation of this study lies at the intersection of multimodal learning theory, cognitive load theory, sociocultural theory, and second language acquisition (SLA) frameworks. Each of these perspectives contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how multimodal strategies can enhance the teaching and learning of Uzbek as a foreign language (UFL), particularly in linguistically and culturally diverse contexts.

The concept of multimodality originates in the field of social semiotics, particularly in the seminal work of Gunther Kress and Theo van Leeuwen (2001), who argue that meaning is not conveyed solely through verbal language but through a combination of semiotic modes—such as images, gestures, layout, sound, and spatial organization. In the classroom, multimodal pedagogy refers to the strategic use of these modes to support learning by addressing the diverse sensory and cognitive channels through which students engage with content.

In language instruction, multimodal design supports learners in associating grammatical forms with visual cues, phonological patterns with auditory input, and pragmatic expressions with real-life embodied interactions. This multidimensional access to meaning is particularly crucial for UFL learners, who must internalize complex agglutinative grammar, unfamiliar syntactic rules, and socioculturally embedded communicative norms.

According to Sweller’s (1994) Cognitive Load Theory, learning is optimized when instructional materials are designed to reduce unnecessary cognitive burden and facilitate working memory efficiency. Multimodal resources, when properly aligned and not redundant, help distribute cognitive load by engaging different processing systems (e.g., visual-spatial sketchpad, phonological loop), thereby freeing up mental resources for deeper understanding. For example, in teaching Uzbek noun declensions, infographics paired with color-coded cases, audio examples, and kinesthetic gesture modeling can reduce abstractness and enhance retention. Thus, multimodality not only supports learner engagement but also contributes to more cognitively efficient acquisition of complex structures, a vital requirement for UFL learners facing unfamiliar morphosyntax. Howard Gardner’s (1983) Theory of Multiple Intelligences also provides an important foundation for multimodal pedagogy. By acknowledging that learners have different intellectual strengths—linguistic, visual-spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, etc.—educators are encouraged to diversify instruction so that all students can access learning in ways that align with their innate preferences.

In the context of UFL instruction, visual learners may benefit from image-rich vocabulary flashcards or subtitled videos, auditory learners from phonetic shadowing exercises, while kinesthetic learners may thrive during interactive role-plays or grammar-related physical activities. Multimodal teaching, in this sense, is not merely additive but adaptive, offering each learner personalized entry points into the language. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) further inform the value of multimodal strategies in scaffolding learner development. Language acquisition is viewed not as an isolated cognitive process, but as one that is socially mediated and contextually situated.

Through multimodal classroom interactions—whether visual prompts, collaborative digital tasks, or embodied dialogue simulations—teachers provide scaffolds that allow learners to perform beyond their current level of independent competence.

This study employs a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative classroom observations with quantitative analysis of learner progress. The research was conducted over a 12-week period at a Central Asian language institute with two learner groups: an experimental group (n=18) using multimodal materials and a control group (n=16) using traditional text-based instruction.

Data collection tools included:

1. Pre- and post-tests assessing vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills;
2. Weekly classroom observations coded for interactional patterns;
3. Learner surveys measuring motivation and perceived learning effectiveness.

The multimodal strategy framework employed in the experimental group consisted of four main components:

Visual support included culturally authentic photos, illustrated vocabulary cards, infographics on case endings and verb conjugations, and video clips depicting real-life Uzbek conversations. These materials aided learners in associating linguistic structures with visual cues, thereby enhancing recall.

Authentic audio content—such as traditional music, native speaker interviews, and podcast excerpts—was incorporated to develop listening comprehension and phonological awareness. Learners practiced intonation and stress through shadowing exercises. Kinesthetic tasks included role-playing market dialogues, using gestures to represent grammatical cases, and physical response activities (e.g., Simon Says with verbs). Such activities helped internalize abstract structures via bodily movement.

Interactive language apps (e.g., Quizlet, Kahoot), online quizzes, and virtual tours of Uzbek cultural sites were employed to extend learning beyond the classroom. A learning management system (LMS) was used to track progress and provide personalized feedback.

Multimodal teaching strategies offer promising avenues for enhancing Uzbek language instruction for non-native speakers. By appealing to multiple senses and learning preferences, these approaches can significantly improve linguistic competence, intercultural understanding, and learner motivation. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Curriculum developers should incorporate multimodal resources into syllabi for teaching foreign languages (UFL) to foster an inclusive learning environment. Additionally, teacher training programs should include components focused on developing digital literacy and multimodal design skills to better equip educators for modern educational demands.

References:

1. Battlem, J., & Schmidt, K.-H. (2011). Multimodal Film Analysis: How Films Mean. Routledge.
2. Bezemer, J., & Kress, G. (2010). Multimodality, “common sense” and text. Social Semiotics.
3. Chandler, P., & Sweller, J. (1991). Cognitive load theory and the format of instruction. Cognition and Instruction, 8(4), 293–332.
4. Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.
5. Jewitt, C. (2008). The Routledge Handbook of Multimodal Analysis. Routledge.
6. Kress, G., & van Leeuwen, T. (2001). Multimodal Discourse: The Modes and Media of Contemporary Communication. Arnold.
7. Sweller, J., van Merriënboer, J. J. G., & Paas, F. (1998). Cognitive architecture and instructional design. Educational Psychology Review, 10(3), 251–296.

Health Equity and Access to Medical Services in Rural Areas                                                 

Tursunova Ismigul                              

Tashkent Pediatric Medical University                                  

Ismigultursunova076@gmail.com

Abstract Health equity ensures that all individuals have the opportunity to attain their full health potential, regardless of their social, economic, or geographic background. However, rural populations across the globe, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, continue to face considerable barriers in accessing quality healthcare. Geographic isolation, financial hardship, limited infrastructure, and workforce shortages are among the leading factors that contribute to health disparities between rural and urban settings.

These inequities result in higher mortality rates, delayed diagnoses, and an overall lower quality of life for rural residents. The case of Uzbekistan serves as a pertinent example where nearly half the population lives in rural areas, yet faces significant gaps in medical services. This paper explores the multifaceted dimensions of rural health inequity, reviews successful international practices, and offers policy recommendations to bridge the divide.

Ultimately, achieving health equity in rural areas is not merely a matter of service provision but also of political commitment, community engagement, and sustainable investment.Access to healthcare is recognized as a fundamental human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Nonetheless, inequalities in health access persist widely, especially between urban and rural populations. While urban areas often benefit from centralized healthcare services, modern hospitals, and a larger concentration of medical personnel, rural areas are frequently marginalized in health planning and resource allocation.

Keywords: rural-urban health gap, healthcare accessibility, primary care services, underserved populations, digital health innovation, mobile clinics, public health in developing countries, health workforce distribution

The concept of health equity goes beyond equal access—it emphasizes fairness and the elimination of avoidable differences. In rural areas, the lack of investment in healthcare infrastructure, difficulties in attracting qualified personnel, and socio-economic disadvantages hinder the ability of individuals to seek and receive care. According to WHO (2023), people living in rural areas are 1.5 times more likely to die from preventable diseases compared to their urban counterparts.

The situation in Uzbekistan exemplifies this global issue. Despite significant efforts in recent years to reform and digitize the healthcare sector, rural communities still encounter limited access to diagnostic services, specialist consultations, and emergency care. This paper aims to critically examine the root causes of rural-urban healthcare disparities and suggest effective, evidence-based interventions.

A multidisciplinary approach is essential—one that integrates healthcare policy, community engagement, infrastructure investment, and technological innovation.Physical distance remains one of the primary obstacles for rural residents. In many developing countries, hospitals and specialty centers are located in regional capitals, making it difficult for people in remote areas to access them.

Poor road conditions, lack of public transportation, and extreme weather events further exacerbate this issue. In Uzbekistan, for instance, residents of mountainous areas in the Surxondaryo or Qashqadaryo regions may need to travel several hours to reach secondary or tertiary care facilities.Rural areas often suffer from a chronic shortage of healthcare workers, particularly specialists. Factors such as limited career growth, inadequate working conditions, and social isolation discourage physicians from rural deployment. A 2022 OECD report indicates that 65% of healthcare workers prefer urban settings due to better educational, housing, and professional opportunities.

Rural clinics and hospitals are frequently underfunded and poorly equipped. They may lack modern diagnostic technologies such as CT scans or laboratory services, rendering them incapable of providing comprehensive care. In many cases, even basic services like maternal care, immunizations, or surgical interventions are unavailable.

Out-of-pocket payments represent a significant barrier to healthcare in rural communities. Lower income levels and limited insurance coverage mean that many people delay or avoid seeking care altogether. Moreover, transportation and accommodation costs add to the economic burden, especially for patients requiring specialized treatment in urban centers.Low health literacy, traditional beliefs, and gender norms can discourage individuals—particularly women and the elderly—from utilizing health services. Mistrust of formal healthcare providers and reliance on informal or traditional medicine is common in many rural regions.

Uzbekistan, a country with a population of over 36 million, has made substantial progress in healthcare reform. However, disparities between rural and urban areas remain a critical challenge. Nearly 49% of the population resides in rural regions, where access to specialized care and emergency services is often limited.

In response, the government has introduced several reforms, including the “Milliy Sog‘liqni Saqlash Strategiyasi 2030” (National Health Strategy 2030), which emphasizes equitable access to healthcare for all citizens. Mobile medical teams have been deployed to remote areas, and family doctor programs have been expanded. Additionally, telemedicine projects have been piloted in regions such as Karakalpakstan and Jizzakh to connect rural patients with urban specialists.

Despite these efforts, systemic problems persist. Surveys conducted by the Ministry of Health (2024) indicate that rural residents report lower satisfaction with healthcare quality, longer wait times, and more frequent medical errors. Emergency care, in particular, is a pressing concern, with a shortage of ambulances and trained personnel in many districts.

The situation is further complicated by regional disparities. While areas close to urban centers such as Tashkent or Samarkand may benefit from spillover effects, remote provinces continue to struggle. Sustainable solutions require consistent investment, decentralization of services, and the integration of local communities into planning and implementation processes.

Countries like Canada, India, and Brazil have embraced telemedicine to close rural-urban health gaps. India’s eSanjeevani program, a government-run telemedicine initiative, has connected millions of rural patients with qualified doctors via video consultations. It has proven especially effective during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical access was restricted.Australia’s “Remote Area Incentive Scheme” offers salary bonuses, housing allowances, and continuing education opportunities for healthcare workers who commit to rural service.

Similar policies in Norway provide young doctors with grants and prioritized residency slots.Rwanda and Ethiopia have pioneered large-scale CHW programs in which local residents are trained to provide basic health services, monitor chronic diseases, and promote preventive care. These programs not only improve access but also build trust and cultural relevance in underserved communities.In South Africa and the Philippines, mobile health units provide vaccination, antenatal care, and chronic disease management services to nomadic and remote populations. These mobile units are equipped with basic diagnostic tools and staffed by multidisciplinary teams.

By studying these models, Uzbekistan and similar nations can adopt scalable and culturally appropriate strategies to reduce rural health disparities.Bridging the healthcare gap in rural areas requires a multi-pronged approach.

Based on global evidence and the context of Uzbekistan, the following recommendations are proposed:

Scale-Up Telehealth Infrastructure: Invest in broadband expansion and digital literacy programs to facilitate remote consultations.

Expand Rural Medical Education Tracks: Create targeted scholarship and training programs for rural students, encouraging them to return and serve their communities.

Improve Rural Working Conditions: Offer competitive salaries, housing, and professional development to attract and retain skilled staff.

These steps should be integrated into a long-term national health strategy with clear indicators for measuring rural health equity.Health equity is an essential component of sustainable development and social justice. In rural areas, inequities in healthcare access continue to undermine population health and exacerbate socio-economic disparities.

Uzbekistan’s efforts toward reform are promising, but further systemic interventions are needed to ensure that rural residents receive timely, affordable, and high-quality care.By learning from international best practices and implementing evidence-based policies, it is possible to bridge the rural-urban health divide.

A coordinated effort that includes technology adoption, human resource strategies, infrastructure investment, and community engagement will be vital. Only through inclusive and resilient health systems can countries guarantee the right to health for every citizen, regardless of geography.

References

World Health Organization. (2023). Primary health care and rural health systems: A global overview. WHO Press. https://www.who.int/publicationsOECD. (2022).

Health at a Glance 2022: OECD indicators. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. https://doi.org/10.1787/4dd50c09-enMinistry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2024).

Annual national health report. Tashkent: Ministry of Health Publishing.Kumar, S., & Jain, R. (2021).

Telemedicine and rural healthcare: Policy implications and global best practices. Journal of Health Policy and Management, 6(3), 112–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhpm.2021.05.004Lehmann, U., & Sanders, D. (2020).

Community health workers: What do we know about them? World Health Organization Evidence Series, 5(2), 15–31.Khodjaniyazov, B. (2023).

Challenges and opportunities in rural health care of Uzbekistan: A regional analysis. Central Asian Journal of Health Policy, 4(1), 25–41.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023).

Leaving no one behind: Achieving universal health coverage in rural areas. https://www.undp.org/publicationsLê, G., Morgan, R., & Bestall, J. (2020).

Improving rural healthcare access through mobile outreach: A comparative study. Global Health Action, 13(1), 172–183. https://doi.org/10.1080/16549716.2020.1723491

Motivation

Sometimes I created mornings, in the embrace of darkness, 

And I groaned and sighed in the heart of pain, 

All the time my hand prayed in my heart, 

For today’s happiness, God gave me patience. 

My happiness has become higher than the UXUT mountain, 

My father and mother always gave me support

Yesterday my tears flowed and were my confidant, 

Today my fateful sun conquered the sky. 

The nightingale that grew from under the thick snow, 

Why should we bow to the losses that have come,

We came to live smiling and laughing

Shining like the moon in the sky of trials.

Please don’t put the bird of luck in a cage,

Be with your brothers before the opportunity is too late,

Let each person create a melody of happiness for themselves,

Let the melody they have created surround their home.

Born on June 2, 2005 in the city of Karshi, Kashkadarya region. She received secondary education at school No. 31 in the city, graduated from school with a “Gold Medal”. Currently, she is a 2nd year student at the Faculty of Journalism and Uzbek Philology of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek. She has been engaged in creativity since her youth, her creative works have been published in Uzbek and world newspapers and in several collection anthologies. Author of the collection anthology “Tafakkur yulduzlari”. Participant of the “China Fest” festival in the field of literature and science, organized jointly with Uzbekistan and China, participant of the international anthology “Создатели новой науки Узбекистан”, participant of the “Ma’rifat elchisi” project, organized jointly with Georgia, holder of the “Ma’rifat elchisi” badge.

Ahmed Miqdad

Palestinian poet

Activist

Awarded the Naji Namaan Literary Award for 2025.

Contact: ahmedmiqdadd@gmail.com

1. Please share your thoughts about the future of literature..

When did you start writing?

Actually, I’ve been writing since 2014 during the Israeli aggression on Gaza City. What inspired me to write poetry is the necessity to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause and convey a message to the Western world that Palestinians have been suffering since 1948 and we are looking for justice and peace.

2 .The Good and the Bad.

Which is winning nowadays?

I do believe that those who seek love and peace will win in this life because those who seek war will destroy themselves. Peace will make the world a beautiful place full of light and mercy whereas war will make it a horrible and dark place none can endure to live. Throughout my literary journey I’ve passed many good things and people who’ve made me feel like I’m not alone in this world by showing their sympathy and support. I’m a poet, I write poetry about how war affects us as humans and destroys anything beautiful. I write about the suffering of my people for years and how my people starve severely. I wish I could write about the beauty of my country Palestine and share poems of love and peace.

3. How many books have you written

And where can we find your books

I’ve self-published four books, three are poetry books and the fourth is a short novel. The first book I published was ” Gaza Narrates Poetry”, the second ” When Hope Isn’t Enough” , the third ” Stilen Lives” and the last was  “Falastin”.  I’ve recently published a poetry book with the great poet John P. Portelli called ” The Shadow”.

Most of my books are available on Amazon.

4. The book. E book or Hardcover book

What will be the future?

I’m looking forward to publishing a new book and the title will be ” The Genocide” . It will contain more than 40 poems which I wrote during the ongoing genocide on Gaza city and the horrible experiences I witnessed .

5. A wish for 2025

I wish and only wish Palestinians who have been suffering for ages can restore our legal and humane rights and that peace prevails in this world.

A phrase from your book

” My loyal Cactus, Your thorns are more delicate than the hypocrisy of Humanity”.

” I’m still alive but nothing has remained”

EVA Petropoulou Lianou

Author

Poet

Greece

ECHOES IN THE RUIN

In Gaza’s north, where shadows loom and fall,

A cry rises, echoing through it all,

The whispers of the hungry, the weary, and the worn,

A people besieged, with hope forlorn.

The streets, once vibrant, now a desolate stage,

Where silence screams, and desperation engages,

The eyes, once bright, now dim with pain,

Reflecting the struggle, the endless refrain.

We search for crumbs, for scraps of bread,

In a land that’s barren, where hope is dead,

The markets empty, the shelves laid bare,

A people starving, with no one to care.

The children weep, their bellies tight,

Their laughter silenced, their eyes without light,

The parents’ gaze, a mix of grief and shame,

As they watch their loved ones bear the weight of blame.

The hospitals, a testament to pain,

Where medicine’s scarce, and care’s in vain,

The doctors’ hands, tied by lack of aid,

As patients suffer, their lives displayed.

The water’s bitter, undrinkable, and dry,

A luxury denied, as the people cry,

For a drop to quench, a sip to soothe,

A basic right, now a distant truth.

In this landscape, where despair reigns,

We search for solace, for a glimmer of peace that remains,

But like a mirage, it vanishes from sight,

Leaving us with nothing, but the dark of night.

Oh, for a way out, a path to flee,

From this cycle of pain, this endless sea,

A chance to breathe, to live, to be,

Free from the grip of misery.

The world outside, does it know our plight?

Does it see our struggle, our endless fight?

Or are we just statistics, numbers cold,

Faceless victims, our stories untold?

We yearn for aid, for a helping hand,

To guide us through, this desolate land,

To find a way, to escape the pain,

To live again, to love, to laugh, to sustain.

In the silence, a voice whispers low,

Of hope, of resilience, of a people who won’t bow,

Though battered, bruised, and worn so thin,

Their spirit remains, a flame that flickers within.

So let us hold on, to this glimmer of light,

This beacon of hope, in the dark of night,

Let us strive, to rise above the pain,

To find a way, to live again.

Homeland

In the heart of the land, where the rivers flow,

Lies a country, rich with stories to show.

It’s a tapestry of cultures, woven with pride,

A place where diversity stands side by side.

From the bustling cities to the tranquil plains,

The country’s beauty forever remains.

Mountains reaching high, touching the sky,

And valleys so deep, where rivers run by.

In the north, the snow-capped peaks stand tall,

While in the south, golden beaches enthrall.

The east is adorned with lush greenery,

And in the west, deserts stretch endlessly.

The people here, with their spirit so strong,

Sing songs of freedom, for which they long.

They celebrate traditions, old and new,

And honor the land, in all that they do.

The country’s history, a tale of triumph and sorrow,

A journey of resilience, shaping tomorrow.

From ancient civilizations to modern-day grace,

Each chapter adds color to this vibrant place.

The cities pulse with life, a symphony of sound,

Where dreams are pursued, and opportunities abound.

Yet in the countryside, time moves at its own pace,

With fields of gold and open space.

The food is a fusion of flavors so bold,

Reflecting the heritage, centuries old.

Spices that dance on the tongue with delight,

A feast for the senses, morning to night.

The country’s soul lies in its people’s embrace,

Their warmth and kindness, a comforting grace.

They welcome strangers with open arms,

And share their stories, their joys, and their charms.

As the sun sets on this land so fair,

And stars twinkle in the evening air,

The country whispers tales of old and new,

A testament to its beauty, tried and true.

So here’s to the country, with its boundless allure,

A place of wonder, so bright and pure.

May it thrive and prosper, forevermore,

A timeless treasure to adore.

Student of the Uzbek National Institute of Music and Art named after Yunus Rajabi

Arrival Before the Rose Dream Ends  (previously published by Wild Court）

He says he’ll arrive in Portland tomorrow.
It’s his turn to pay —
In the silence before the restaurant opens,
he arrives early.

A self-serve hot pot,
steam rising to fend off winter.
The union of dead volcanoes and roses,
perfect in his mind —
a scene from an Italian art film,
woven into the hum of lobby music.

A couple pick their ingredients.
A spoon stirs the sauce,
like jam stirred by love.

As dusk settles,
the girl arrives
and whispers something behind him.
He answers, “It’s nothing.”
He pays the bill this time and next time.

Months later, in a dream,
the dead volcano erupts,
swallowing the roses,
swallowing his life.

The next morning,
the news reports —
a young man in a Portland apartment,
kissed by death.

He lies on a bed of roses,
silent as a dead volcano.

Confessions of Death（Previously published in Apocalypse Confidential）

I am a wealthy writer
from a noble Kyoto family.
In Japan, my fans call me: Swan.

I remember when pale moonlight
illuminates the ashen stone.
A woman drapes herself in a white kimono,
adorned with strutting cranes
and blooming pink sakura,
gazing deeply at my figure.

She is my wife, an elegant swan too,
who carries the spirit of Bushido.

I do not long to embrace death;
I only wish to spread my wings
and self-destruct beautifully,
for redemption.

My consciousness submerges
in the weight of original sin,
rolling alone.

My family owns a villa during wartime,
where cherry blossoms bloom in abundance.
How shameful this is
to the impoverished.
Only death offers peace.

I want to cast my weightless body
into the surging ocean together with her.
I say, “As a mortal, I am so sorry.
I do not deserve to be happy.”

Two swans step into the water,
forsaking this ridiculous family.
In the moment of fading,
death is liberation.

A moment of silence,
my heart at peace,
with oceanic waves.

Within this vast wheel of destiny,
I surrender to the hush of infinity.

We long for peace,
and in the crushing of the great wheel,
only the moment of suffocation
beneath the water
brings forth
a profound and joyful illusion:

The setting sun,
spring snow,
floating chrysanthemums
in my first chapter of life.

We die for the suffering,
but for whom do the living live?
We destroy ourselves for our own expectations,
but who remembers the dead?

At last, we smile at death,
at nothingness.
Death becomes our final sanctuary,
a respite from a world
reeking of greed.

Like two delicate leaves,
we softly fall into the ocean.
Through the moon’s shadow,
flowers’ darkened faces
resemble death.

Interview with Yucheng Tao

You’re also a songwriter and a music student. Do you think your musical interests and knowledge inspire your poetry, or vice versa? Do you imagine your poems set to music?

Music’s rhythm gives me inspiration for the basic feelings in my poems. They feel like twin flames to me. I prefer to make independent work for my poetry and for my instrumental guitar music. I have had a lot of my instrumental work published by other magazines.

Since you’re an international student from China, is Mandarin your first language? What is the process like crafting poetry in a language other than your native language? Do you come up with a concept and structure in Mandarin first and then translate, or do you think purely in English for your poetry?

Yes, Mandarin is my first language. At the beginning, I tried very hard to write purely in English. Over time, it became more natural—but sometimes, inspiration still comes to me in fragments of Chinese. When that happens, I’ll translate or transform those images into English. Other times, the ideas arrive already in English. I think I now live between the two languages, and my poetry is shaped by both.

I notice a theme of death in your work, our complex relationship with the inevitability of death. Why and how do you think you’re drawn to write about death?

When I write about death, I’m really writing about consciousness, time, grief, and the fragility of perception. Life is destined to vanish in the cruel cycle of the seasons, so I feel a need to record my reflections on death—and everything bright that will one day be drowned: existence itself, which can be anything, even a voice within.

In the two pieces you sent for our July issue, your protagonists had the chance to enjoy lovely things in life: delicious food, fine clothing, moonlight, wealth, romantic love, although their enjoyment was short-lived. Many poets write about beauty in various forms. What do you consider beautiful and why, and what sorts of beauty are you drawn to in poetry?

I think beauty sometimes comes from fleeting moments—when I touch snow, rain, wind, or when the silent gods arrive with the night. My poems often explore the uncertainty of beauty, because everything can be beautiful in its own way.

How would you describe your poetic style, and has it changed over the years as you developed your craft?

My poetic style moves through darkness across beauty—and something beyond. Every day, I try to change something in my work: the technique, the form, the voice, and the feeling of the unknown.

What poets, or kinds of poetry inspire you? Do you consider your work part of any poetic tradition?

I love The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot, and I’m also drawn to Eastern forms that emphasize imagery, like haiku. Baudelaire, Akhmatova, and even the poetic language in Nabokov’s novels have all influenced me. I don’t often think in terms of tradition—I just read what I love, and follow where those poems lead me.

What are you working on now in your writing? What are your next steps?

I’m currently working on a series of poems centered around a character called the Skull-God—a light sci-fi exploration of human nature and emotion. I’ve written about five pieces so far and plan to continue expanding the series. Eventually, I hope to create a mini chapbook, somewhere between 12 to 20 pages.

Yucheng Tao’s poetry and fiction have appeared in a range of literary journals across the US, UK, and internationally. His recent work has been published by Wild Court (King’s College London), Cathexis Northwest Press, The Lake(UK), NonBinary Review (where he was also interviewed), and Red Ogre Review(UK). His writing has also featured in Waymark Literary Magazine, Apocalypse Confidential, The Arcanist, and others. He was named a semifinalist for the Winds of Asia Award by Kinsman Quarterly.