THE IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL LITERACY IN ENSURING GENDER EQUALITY

Turon University

Faculty of Psychology, 3rd Year Student

Dilshoda Nodir qizi Nurboboyeva

Annotation: The article is dedicated to the importance of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality. It analyzes the role and significance of psychological literacy in promoting gender equality within society. The study examines how individuals, through psychological literacy, can make conscious decisions to resist stereotypes and social pressures, explores the formation of gender stereotypes, and presents ways to reduce them. The research emphasizes the importance of strengthening psychological approaches within education, family, and community systems, and provides practical recommendations for promoting gender equality among both youth and adults.

Keywords: gender equality, psychological literacy, stereotype, social awareness, psychological culture, family, community, social change.

Аннотация: Статья «Важность психологической грамотности в обеспечении гендерного равенства» посвящена анализу роли и значимости психологической грамотности в процессе обеспечения гендерного равенства в обществе. Рассматривается, как индивид через психологическую грамотность может принимать осознанные решения, противостоя социальным стереотипам и давлениям. Также исследуются механизмы формирования гендерных стереотипов и пути их уменьшения. Подчеркивается важность усиления психологического подхода в системе образования, семьи и общества, а также приводятся практические рекомендации по продвижению гендерного равенства среди молодежи и взрослых.

Abstract: The article “The Importance of Psychological Literacy in Ensuring Gender Equality” examines the role and significance of psychological literacy in promoting gender equality within society. It analyzes how individuals, through psychological literacy, can make conscious decisions that counteract social pressures and stereotypes. The study also explores the formation of gender stereotypes and strategies for reducing them. Emphasis is placed on strengthening psychological approaches within education, family, and community systems, while providing practical recommendations for promoting gender equality among both youth and adults.

Keywords: gender equality, psychological literacy, stereotype, social awareness, psychological culture, family, community, social change.

INTRODUCTION

In modern society, the issue of gender equality is of central importance at both national and international levels. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions increasingly emphasize the need to provide men and women with equal opportunities in social, economic, and political spheres. This aligns with global frameworks; for example, the United Nations recognizes gender equality as a key factor for sustainable development in its Sustainable Development Goals.

At the national level, Uzbekistan has implemented significant measures to strengthen gender equality, including legal reforms, political initiatives, and educational programs aimed at supporting women and developing social awareness. Nevertheless, various social, cultural, and psychological barriers limit the full implementation of gender equality principles. One of the main challenges is the persistence of gender stereotypes, traditional roles, and unconscious attitudes that affect decision-making and social interactions.

Research in psychology and education shows that psychological literacy plays a key role in understanding psychological concepts, self-awareness, and social perception, which are critical for ensuring equality and reducing the negative effects of stereotypes. Psychological literacy enables individuals to critically evaluate social norms, make conscious decisions, and engage in socially responsible behavior. This capacity is particularly important in addressing gender issues, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and inclusive attitudes in family, education, and community environments.

Given the international and national focus on gender equality, it is essential to study the role of psychological literacy in reducing gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities. This article aims to analyze the importance and role of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality, its theoretical foundations, practical applications, and impact on policy and social development.

OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE

The primary aim of this article is to determine the importance of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality and to examine its influence on higher education, workgroups, and social relations in society. The study considers gender equality not only from legal and economic perspectives but also explores individuals’ and society’s attitudes toward gender stereotypes, mechanisms for their reduction, and the formation of social awareness through psychological literacy.

Key considerations in defining the objective:

Global and national significance of gender equality. International experience shows that gender equality is not limited to protecting women’s rights but also contributes to economic development, social stability, and the quality of education. Psychological literacy serves as a key tool for understanding gender equality, combating stereotypes, and creating an equitable social environment. Studying gender psychology and enhancing individual literacy in this area plays a vital role in national development strategies.

Level of study in the field. While gender equality issues are widely researched in economics, sociology, psychology, and education, the concept of ensuring gender equality through psychological literacy is relatively underexplored. Most studies focus on the rights of girls and women or gender disparities in the workforce, but psychological stereotypes in individuals, their modification, and promotion of equality through psychological tools remain insufficiently studied.

Specificity of the chosen problem. The issue of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality focuses on analyzing relationships between individuals and society, identifying stereotypes, and developing concrete psychological strategies to overcome them. This problem differs from general gender equality issues because it is directly related to knowledge, awareness, and psychological behaviors rather than just economic or legal measures.

Research objective:

To determine the importance of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality and to study its impact on individuals’ social attitudes, responses to stereotypes, and gender relations in higher education and society.

The research aims to deepen understanding of gender equality issues and provide scientific foundations for reducing stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities in society and higher education.

DESCRIPTION AND SOLUTION OF THE SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM

Today, gender issues are significant not only socially but also psychologically. In ensuring gender equality, psychological literacy—knowledge of gender roles, stereotypes, and equitable relationships—plays a crucial role. Insufficient psychological literacy leads to increased inequality between male and female students in higher education, persistence of societal gender stereotypes, limited individual potential, and slower economic and social development.

Current research highlights that Bem (2004) emphasized the importance of understanding gender roles and psychological approaches against stereotypes. Baker and Jones (1993) identified a connection between gender equality and educational outcomes across countries. In Uzbekistan, however, research in gender psychology is relatively limited, and psychological stereotypes among male and female students in higher education are insufficiently studied.

Empirical data indicate that in higher education, girls comprise approximately 39% and boys 61%. This disparity is influenced by psychological, social, and economic factors, with stereotypical values restricting girls’ access to education.

Thus, the scientific problem can be defined as: societal and higher education-related stereotypes and insufficient development of gender-related psychological literacy hinder the achievement of gender equality.

Solutions to the scientific problem include:

Increasing psychological literacy: Provide students and teachers with regular training, seminars, and courses on gender psychology, combating stereotypes, and equal rights; integrate gender equality topics into curricula; and organize interactive exercises and role-playing activities.

Reducing societal stereotypes: Implement programs promoting gender equality among parents and families, expand girls’ access to higher education, disseminate gender equality and psychological literacy information through media and online resources, and conduct awareness campaigns on equal opportunities.

Empirical research confirms the importance of psychological literacy. For example, among students aged 15–17, responses to the question “Who should have access to higher education?” were as follows:

Object

Percentage (%)

Boys

71.3

Girls

7.5

Most capable

19.0

No response

2.3

Opinions on the importance of higher education for girls by age and gender were:

Object

Percentage (%)

Boys

78.8

Girls

78.9

Women

71.6

Men

55.5

These results indicate that most of society recognizes the importance of higher education for girls, highlighting the potential for psychological literacy to strengthen gender equality.

Thus, the main approaches to addressing the scientific problem are: enhancing psychological literacy, reducing societal stereotypes, and applying a systematic approach based on empirical data. This strategy serves to improve gender relations not only in higher education but across society, ensuring equal opportunities for both girls and boys.

CONCLUSION

Ensuring gender equality in higher education and raising psychological literacy in society are of significant scientific and practical importance. Research results indicate that psychological literacy directly influences the reduction of gender stereotypes and inequalities in education. Promoting knowledge and social values related to gender equality among students helps form the concept of equal opportunities for girls and boys, ensuring effective functioning of higher education.

Empirical research, such as surveys conducted among students of the Economic Lyceum under Tashkent State University of Economics, shows that society—including boys, girls, and adults—recognizes the importance of girls’ higher education. However, persistent stereotypes (e.g., prioritizing boys as the main household earners, early marriage for girls) remain, which can be mitigated through enhancing psychological literacy. This underscores psychological literacy as a strategic factor in ensuring gender equality.

The analysis demonstrates that achieving gender equality requires not only legal and economic measures but also the development of societal psychology, education, and social values. Psychological literacy enhances access to higher education for girls and boys, contributes to sustainable societal development, improves human capital quality, and reduces gender stereotypes.

Key outcomes include:

Enhancing psychological literacy equalizes opportunities for boys and girls in higher education;

Changing societal gender stereotypes and values increases social activity and professional development for girls and women;

Implementing psychological literacy programs with the participation of parents, teachers, and the public can ensure genuine equality in higher education and society.

In conclusion, psychological literacy is a central element in ensuring gender equality and a primary tool for developing equal opportunities in higher education and society. By increasing psychological literacy, reducing stereotypes, and updating social values, genuine gender equality can be achieved, enabling girls and boys to fully realize their potential and participate actively in economic, social, and political spheres.

REFERENCES

Bem, S. L. (2004). Linzı gendera: Transformation of views on gender inequality. Moscow: ROSSPEN.

Saralieva, Z. Kh. (2004). Sociology of gender relations: Textbook for students of higher educational institutions. Moscow: ROSSPEN.

Baker, D. P., & Jones, D. P. (1993). Creating gender equality: Cross-national gender stratification and mathematical performance. Sociology of Education, 66, 91–103.

UNESCO. (2015). Education and gender equality: Monitoring and evaluation guidelines. Paris: UNESCO.

World Bank. (2012). Gender equality and development report. Washington, DC: World Bank.

Akramova, F. A. (2020). Problems of gender equality psychology in higher education. Psychological Journal.

UNICEF. (2018). Gender equality in education: A global perspective. New York: UNICEF.

Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (2003). The nature–nurture debate on gender development. American Psychologist, 58(2), 15–25.

World Economic Forum. (2021). Global gender gap report 2021. Geneva: WEF.

Kabeer, N. (2016). Gender equality and women’s empowerment: A critical analysis. Journal of Development Studies, 52(12), 1672–1688.

LENSES 

I was one with those voyeur stars; 

I had eyes and thought I could see 

through the hollow invisible NotSaids 

that keep the planet orderly. 

But “Orbit’s disjointed!” they say. 

I need a new optometrist 

“Magnifiers assemble the blaze! 

the noose rope already twists!

and our sky’s unconstellationed! 

we’re free to do within our chains! 

and we hold too fast to conditions! 

we must more dearly count the change!” 

So, should I rage 

or should I grieve 

in my omniscient grave? 

MOSQATHEDRAL 

(Roma/Mecca amalgaMates) 

You bachelors and spinsters: 

this Our, O disjoin us not, 

identitied opposites. 

Our Sames mediate Others. 

This Feast of the Unity 

of Captive Diversity. 

Summers harmonize winters. 

THOUGHT AND ACTION: 

the rise of Brit lit 

Pious poets would drink quicksilver despair: 

since Creation beggared imagination, 

they resignedly would abandon their craft. 

But secular old Petrarchus schooled Spencer, 

and Shakespeare knew, even while still in Avon, 

that, to surpass, he must teach his verse to act. 

JUST ONE = EITHER ONE

Impossibility:

like “a dove

can’t be,” disproved by just one sky.

Permanent is not eternal.

Now is not forever.

To circumstance adjust

frost, flood, dust,

Comdition isn’t definition.

Energy matters / matter energizes.

Conception itself conceives.

Is always was.

Life lives with no conception.

Posit amy sky

to prove

the dove’s

possibility

–or the crow’s

LAWS ARE THE CUCKOLDS, ALAS

1.

Laws

are to

lobbyists

as cuckolds 

to coquettes:

Effort and

ingredients

define all effects.

Law 

resembles

justice,

as cuckold

seems husband,

But

greatest counterfeit

can’t equal

or intend.

2.

Seduction

begins as a quest

abetted by a con

leading to conquest

3.

Experience

inverts

education:

The final test’s 

done first,

then the lessons.

4.

justice

stiffens into lawform

melts in passion’s heat

dissipates

back

into myst  ery

just/ice

…

PARENTAL LOVE 

Do you hear how the wind blows gems among the stars, when it blows away their brilliance? They are the diamonds from Bach’s Christmas oratorio and the kind of incense 

Which fills your soul’s house with infinity and their celestial light 

Tradition celebrates parental love through the birth of a divine nature 

There have always been altars in the Heavens, incomprehensible only to the family with a mother through the Holy Spirit 

But at Christmas, every year, in our human way, we celebrate the Father who came through the son to our earth 

The Son, Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, is the creative symphony itself, one with All that He created 

Light from Light, in the soul of every man, fractal-miraculous like love, instilled 

The miracle is not only in the one who forever “Is what Is” But also in the sacrifice of love, with which he gave a new message 

So let us understand the Son, as the part of the father who gave himself, to his other sons 

So much, Creation, He loved 

The unforgettable day

There is such a day when words become unnecessary

you touch someone’s shoulders

you are not ashamed of tears

then you understand more

than on other days of the year

the masks that hide resentments fall

it’s good that there is

such a unique day

a white communion wafer*

placed on hay

glows in the candlelight

then the Eternal One spreads love

without noise or advertising

then you do not shy away

From His touch

quiet and incomprehensible

Translated by Olga Smolnytska 

* In Polish tradition, on Christmas Eve, families share the Christmas communion wafer, which symbolizes love, unity, forgiveness and reconciliation between people. (The author’s note)

The Calling

I wandered, thinking off to the side

I tried to love

always imperfectly

an angel was shedding feathers

I didn’t see the signs

I understood very little

more and more questions are catching up with me

take my fear with your love

take me where nothing ever ends

silence becomes a melody

take me

Translated by Sr. Paula Drożdż

dewdrops

falling dewdrops

carelessly announced

their presence on the bench

wanted to arouse admiration

in a single moment in human

illuminated by the rays

of the rising sun

revealed a unity

split in two

Amazement

Filled the milieu 

Translated by Olga Smolnytska

Aleksandra Sołtysiak (Poland), graduate of the Catholic University of Lublin  and Jagiellonian University in Kraków. She has served as coeditor of the poetry anthology Dotyk nadzie (The Touch of Hope), which was translated into Ukrainian and German, as well as of the international anthology in support of world peace The tree of peace turns green / European poetry for universal harmony, which has been translated into Polish and English. She i also the author Hope blossoms longer and the published poetry volume „Spilled from the cases”. Finalist in the fourth International Poetry Contest, „Voices in the Wilderness” held in Rome (2022). She publishes nationally and internationally. She has also been awarded the Gold Cross of Merit by Polish president Andrzej Duda. In 2023 distinguished with a medal for Merit to Polish Culture.Information about the translator:Olga Smolnytska,  (Ukraine), PhD, writer, artist, literary critic.

Problems of Writing Idioms and Phraseological Expressions
Samarqand davlat chet tillari instituti 2414-guruh talabasi

Savranboyeva Shaxriniso Xosilboy qizi
Ingliz tili o’qitish metodikasi kafedrasi katta o’qituvchisi
T.Y.Mukarramxodjayeva

Annotation:
This article discusses the main challenges in translating English idioms and phraseological expressions. Cultural connotations, contextual equivalence, translators’ competence and semantic transfer are examined. The study also provides
practical examples of different translations, adaptation and calquing.
Keywords: idioms, phraseological expressions, translation strategies, cultural equivalence, semantic shift

Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqolada ingliz tilidagi ibora va frazeologik birliklarni tarjima qilish jarayonida uchraydigan asosiy muommolar yoritilgan. Idiomlarning milliy-maaniy konnotatsiyasi, kontekstga mos keluvchi ekvivalent tanlash, tarjimon kompetensiyasi hamda ma’no ko’chish jarayoni tahlil qilinadi. Shuningdek, maqolada idiomlarnitarjima qilishning ekvivalent, tavsifiy, adaptiv va kalkalash
usullari misollar orqali ko’rsatib berilgan.

Kalit so’zlar: Idiomalar, frazeologizmlar, tarjima usullari, madaniy ekvivalentlik, ma’no ko’chish.

Аннотация:
В данной статье рассматриваются основные проблемы перевода английских идиом и фразеологических выражений. Анализируются культурная коннотация, выбор адекватного эквивалента, роль переводческой компетентности и особенности семантического переноса. Приводятся примеры и методы перевода: эквивалентный, описательный, адаптивный и
калькирование.

Ключевые слова:
идиомы, фразеологизмы, переводческие стратегии, культурная
эквивалентность, семантический перенос.

Language is not simply a system of grammar and vocabulary; it also contains deep cultural meanings embedded within idioms and phraseological expressions. Idioms are stable expressions whose meanings cannot be derived from the literal meanings of their components. For example, the English idiom “to kick the
bucket” does not refer to kicking a physical bucket but means to die.

Translating
such expressions is one of the most challenging tasks for translators, because idioms often reflect the history, humor, worldview, and national mentality of the people who use them. Many idioms are rooted in cultural traditions, folklore, religion or geography.

For example: Idiom Literal Meaning Cultural Note Break
a leg! It’s raining cats and dogs. In Uzbek culture, similar meanings may be conveyed with completely different imagery. Thus, direct translation often fails to convey meaning.

Main Problems in Translating Idioms

1.Lack of Direct Equivalents
Not all idioms have ready –made equivalents in the target language. Example: To spill the beans- meaning “ sirni oshkor qilish” There is no identical idiom in Uzbek, so a descriptive translation is required.

2. Cultural Differences
   Idioms may refer to cultural symbols unfamiliar to the target audience. Example:
   A piece of cake –“ juda oson ish”. The metaphor is culinary and may not carry the same emotional color in another culture.
3. Polysemy and Context Sensitivity
   Some idioms change meaning depending on context. Example: To break the ice may mean: Muzni sindirish(literal). Suhbatni boshlash (figurative)
4. Translator’s Competence
   A translator must know the idiom’s figurative meaning. Choose appropriate translation method. Maintain emotional tone and stylistic register. Why idioms are hard to translate: core problems.
   Why translating idioms are so difficult: Non-compositionality: The central difficulty is that the meaning of an idiom is not recoverable by a simple combination of constituent meanings. Word-for-word translation often fails.

Cultural specificity: Many idioms encode cultural knowledge, institutions, or historical references (e.g, white elephant in English refers to a burdensome possession). When SL cuture lacks an equivalent, literal translation may confuse.
Fixedness and syntactic constraints: Idioms often resist grammatical manipulation: kick the bucket cannot easily become the bucket was kicked without idiomatic loss. Some PU s have slots for variation- understanding which are fixed affects translation choice.
Polysemy and pragmatic uses: Idioms can have different senses depending on context (literal or figurative). A translator must determine whether the idiom is used metaphorically, sarcastically, humorously, or literally.

Register, connotation, and collocational patterns: Idioms carry register (formal/informal), affective tone, and collocational constraints. Choosing an equivalent must preserve register and pragmatic force.
Intertextually and stylistic function: In literature, idioms contribute to voice, characterization, rhythm and style. Translating them affects authorial voice.

Multiple idioms and layered metaphors: Some utterances combine several idioms or metaphors, complicating analysis and translation.
Translation strategies – comprehensive discussion: Below is an extended taxonomy of strategies, each described with strengths, weaknesses, and guidance on when to use it.

Literal translation: Description: Translate each word or morpheme directly. When to use: Rarely — when the idiom is transparent and compositionally interpretable in TL, or when a literal rendering is acceptable for stylistic reasons (e.g., deliberate foreignness). Pros: Preserves SL imagery and form; can be useful in poetic or
didactic contexts. Cons: Risk of incomprehension or unintended meaning shift.

Idiomatic equivalent (naturalization): Description: Replace SL idiom with a TL idiom that conveys the same pragmatic function and connotation. When to use:
Preferred when a close TL idiom exists and preserves register and effect. Calque (loan translation): Description: Translate the components literally but keep the structure; i.e., borrow the expression as a transparent compound in TL (e.g., skyscraper calqued into other languages historically). When to use: If TL readers
can easily parse the calque or when introducing a new term. Pros: Preserves SL conceptual metaphor. Cons: Can be awkward or unintelligible; may feel foreign.

Modulation: Description: Change the semantic point of view, focus, or category to express the same idea differently (Vinay & Darbelnet). Example: SL He has a green thumb → TL He is good at gardening (modulating to ability). When to use: When no idiomatic equivalent exists and literal translation fails; especially useful in technical or explanatory texts. Pros: Conveys intended meaning clearly.

Substitution / Cultural substitution: Description: Replace a culturally specific referent with a culturally equivalent referent in TL (e.g., Thanksgiving dinner may become a locally analogous festival meal if context allows). When to use: When cultural equivalence preserves communicative effect and readers lack SL cultural knowledge. Pros: Enhances reader relevance and comprehension. Cons: Risks
altering historical or geographical specificity.

Paraphrase / Explication:
Description: Explain the idiom’s meaning in more words instead of rendering it idiomatically. When to use: When accuracy is paramount and no concise equivalent exists (legal, technical, explanatory translation). Pros: Ensures understanding. Cons: Disrupts rhythm and may reduce stylistic density.

Omission: Description: Omit the idiom if it is redundant or its sense can be inferred from context. When to use: Rare and risky — useful when compression is necessary and the idiom adds little. Pros: Concise. Cons: Loss of nuance or humour.

Addition / Compensation: Description: Add information elsewhere in the text to compensate for loss of meaning when a direct equivalent is infeasible. When to use: When necessary to preserve meaning, tone, or cultural reference across that text. Pros: Restores balance across the translation. Cons: Can be intrusive if overused.

Borrowing: Description: Keep the SL idiom in the TL (possibly italicized) and provide gloss or explanation. When to use: When the idiom is iconic, untranslatable, or when foreign flavor is desirable. Pros: Preserves SL identity and cultural reference. Cons: May confuse readers unfamiliar with SL.

Creative adaptation / Transcreation: Description: Recreate the effect, humor, or imagery using a fresh TL expression that captures the same function, sometimes inventing a new idiom-like phrasing. When to use: Advertising, literary translation, or when preserving impact is more important than literal equivalence. Pros: Preserves rhetorical and emotional effect.

Syntactic transformation: Description: Modify sentence structure to accommodate TL idiomatic patterns (e.g., changing
active to passive or altering word order). When to use: When structural differences between languages hinder idiomatic rendering. Pros: Improves fluency and readability. Cons: Risk of losing focus or emphasis.

Worked examples and comparative analyses. Below are examples showing analysis and strategy choice. Each example includes SL sentence, literal rendering, recommended TL rendering, and justification.

Example 1

SL (English): She finally bit the bullet and applied for the job. Literal word-for-word (bad). (Uzbek literal translation keeps the image but confuses.)

Recommended strategy: Idiomatic equivalent or Paraphrase. TL (Uzbek) idiomatic equivalent: (“took courage”) Justification: Preserves pragmatic force (reluctant decision) without confusing the TL reader.

Example 2
SL (English): He felt like a fish out of water at the wedding. Literal (bad). Justification: Focuses on the feeling rather than preserving fish image.

Example 3
SL: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Strategy: Equivalent proverb if exists in TL; else Paraphrase. (If exact proverb absent, paraphrase the advice.)

Example 4
SL: “He spilled the beans and let the cat out of the bag.” (two idioms for same meaning: reveal secrets) Strategy: Condense into one idiom or paraphrase; use compensation. TL example: (“revealed the secret”) Justification: Keeps meaning without awkward double metaphors.

Example 5
SL (English): He kept his cards close to his chest. (implies strategic silence) Strategy: Find TL idiom with same connotation or use transcreation. Potential TL: Justification: Preserves register and implied secrecy.

Idioms and phraseological expressions pose translation challenges across semantics, culture, syntax, and pragmatics. No single strategy fits all cases.

Translators must combine linguistic analysis, cultural knowledge, and creative thinking and problem-solving. The taxonomy presented here helps decide among literal translation, idiomatic equivalents, calque, modulation, paraphrase, borrowing, omission, and transcreation. Good practice includes careful context analysis, corpus support, and documentation of translation choices.

References:

1. Baker, M. (1992). In Other Words: A Coursebook on Translation. Routledge.
2. Mukaramxodjayeva T.Y. “Ingliz va o ‘zbek tilidagi so‘zlashuv
   frazeologizmlarining lingvomadaniy xususiyatlari”//Yangi O’zbekiston
   taraqqiyotida tadqiqotlarni o’rni va rivojlanish omillari Respublika ilmiy
   anjumani, Vol. 40 No. 1 (2025)
3. Vinay, J.-P., & Darbelnet, J. (1995). Comparative Stylistics of French and English (transl. J.C. Sager & M.-J. Hamel). John Benjamins. [Original work 1958]
4. Mukaramxodjayeva T.Y. “Interlingual Phraseological Equivalents and Analogies” Best journal of innovation in science, research and development, New York, NY 10009, United States, Volume 4 Issue 40, 2025
5. Mukaramxodjayeva T.Y., Furqatova M. “O‘zbek va ingliz tilidagi maqollarning o‘xshash va farqli jihatlari” Education and research in the era of digital.,Xalqaro ilmiy anjuman vol1. N1., mart 2025
6. Newmark, P. (1988). A Textbook of Translation. Prentice Hall.
7. Fernando, C. (1996). Idioms and Idiomaticity. Oxford University Press. Nunberg, G., Sag, I. A., &Wasow, T. (1994). Idioms. Language

To Archangel Michael 

To You, exalted Angel, 

I pray and give thanks even in happiness. 

Your eyes are a path, 

your eyes are deep as the ocean. 

Your sword is sharp,

cutting through all knots, 

all pain and injustice. 

Your wings are my protection — 

with them, mercifully and without touch, 

you embraced my soul. 

You have your army, 

your path is the path of righteousness. 

You granted me mercy 

which I open only in the secrecy of the heart. 

Last night, Your feather touched me, 

sent through a guide — 

it makes incisions, 

it hurts, yet it liberates. 

My words flew like comets 

in different directions, 

seeking forgiveness. 

Your words of comfort 

guarded my secrets. 

My heart is a witness 

that coincidences do not exist: 

with every wound there is a healer, 

with every tear — a hand holding a handkerchief, 

with every cry — a word of solace. 

I know You protect me. 

I know that when I wish to fall asleep, 

Your prayer 

becomes a call to awakening.

Maja Milojković was born in Zaječar and divides her life between Serbia and Denmark. In Serbia, she serves as the deputy editor-in-chief at the publishing house Sfairos in Belgrade. She is also the founder and vice president of the Rtanj and Mesečev Poets’ Circle, which counts 800 members, and the editor-in-chief of the international e-magazine Area Felix, a bilingual Serbian-English publication. She writes literary reviews, and as a poet, she is represented in numerous domestic and international literary magazines, anthologies, and electronic media. Some of her poems are also available on the YouTube platform. Maja Milojković has won many international awards. She is an active member of various associations and organizations advocating for peace in the world, animal protection, and the fight against racism. She is the author of two books: Mesečev krug (Moon Circle) and Drveće Želje (Trees of Desire). She is one of the founders of the first mixed-gender club Area Felix from Zaječar, Serbia, and is currently a member of the same club. She is a member of the literary club Zlatno Pero from Knjaževac, and the association of writers and artists Gorski Vidici from Podgorica, Montenegro.

Christmas Greetings

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

Merry Christmas to everyone around the World!

The Christmas spirit has embraced us with Joy…

And even though it is Winter – let us chase away the cold,

let us welcome Love into our hearts!

Let us turn our backs on hatred, indifference, and sorrow –

let us give hugs freely, expecting nothing in return!

With good deeds from people with “golden” hearts,

let us lend a hand to the weak in need and distress!

Let us paint a radiant Christmas rainbow

from colors – gifts and fairy-tale miracles.

With Faith, let us welcome Christmas at home,

and with Hope, strengthen our destiny!

Let us wipe bitter tears from troubled faces

and light the hearth with the torch of Kindness.

May Christ’s shining star illuminate us,

may we set a festive – abundant table!

May Christmas fulfill our deepest dreams!

May it “spread” health to faraway lands!

May a miracle happen – may the sick find healing

and be reborn as healthy, new people!

Happiness, prosperity, good fortune,

love, kindness, abundance –

for every family around the World,

may warmth and comfort reign in their homes!

At Christmas, miracles do happen…

Rejoice in the little things!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova

Let It Be Christmas!

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

Christmas is a bright and joyful holiday

for young and old, everywhere around the world.

In its embrace we will find love,

with a radiant star shining hope for us.

Christmas is family comfort and warmth!

A festive table and a gentle glance!

A friendly greeting, an outstretched hand!

At Christmas, things happen… Believe in miracles!

May everyone find good fortune beneath the tree!

May their most cherished dreams come true!

May their thoughts take flight and roam freely afar!

May they build a new and different world for themselves!

May peace and happiness blossom within it!

May their future days be festive and bright!

May Christ’s light illuminate them everywhere!

May their path be bright in dark and cloudy days!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova

Christmas Message

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

On the white, holy Christmas night –

may our souls overflow with splendor!

Let us find and follow the path of Kindness,

opening the doors of our hearts to good deeds!

Let us extend a hand to our neighbor in need!

Strengthen their life with Power and Love!

May everyone feel warmth from someone!

Let us sow Faith and Joy along their path!

And may everyone receive, with good fortune,

all that their soul longs for, shedding tears of desire!

Christmas magic is Love! It fulfills fairy-tale miracles…

It is Hope… Through it, we will transform the world!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova

With Hope Toward the New Year

Author: Valentina Yordanova – Accordia (Bulgaria)

Another year of our lives is coming to an end,

and each of us walked along different paths.

For some it was crystal cold – the winter season,

for others a southern breeze – spring passed by.

Some walked rocky and muddy roads.

Others laughed loudly on a red carpet.

Cries for help, pleas for health, and sorrowful prayers

crashed loudly somewhere against roadside cliffs.

Before the eyes of Happiness and Love,

people of Joy and beautiful Destiny,

visibly smiling, radiant, cheerful faces,

quietly envied somewhere by someone unseen.

Throughout the year we cried, laughed, and celebrated.

We mourned and painfully said goodbye to loved ones.

We loved, respected, and admired beauty.

We walked on and traveled to distant journeys.

Sometimes we feared the unknown of Life.

We scattered and lost glances and smiles in pain.

We were, we would be, we remained – we hoped in Fate.

We saw, waited, reached out a hand, and forgave.

We dreamed, turned away, yet strongly desired.

We were not always ourselves and sometimes gave up.

We fearlessly conquered high peaks,

but with our falls, we waved the white flag.

Helplessly, we tangled ourselves in Life’s web.

We sold our self-trust dearly.

We counted our mistakes twice before ourselves,

took stock and learned our lesson.

In past days we were forced to slow our steps,

yet toward the Future we ran tirelessly with all our strength.

And now, proudly standing before our threshold,

the New Year awaits us silently with sparkling eyes.

At midnight we will open the door for it,

hoping it brings luck and warmth.

With Hope that it will be better than the old one,

and that Happiness will be found as a gift beneath the tree.

Let us raise a toast and wish for all those things

our souls need the most!

Let us capture the moment with a lens and preserve it in a photo,

which one day, framed, will revive a memory!

May we be healthy, happy, and kind in our thoughts!

Loved, trustworthy, and with cherished dreams!

May God bless the childless with a child!

May He grant health from the heart to the sick!

May He inspire strength and courage in the weak!

May the poor never fall into hunger!

May children’s laughter carry far on the wind!

May everyone have shelter – a home of their own!

May there be Peace on Earth and calm in the soul!

May our hearts be pure – with Love and Kindness!

And may God hear our prayers… and bless us!

Let us pray in church with bowed heads!

From now on, may things go smoothly for us!

Let us believe in Life with fulfilled dreams!

To see, without pain… without bitterness…

May everything around us shine for us!

Translated by Yoana Konstantinova