Essay from Ablakulova Dilfuza

Young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair in a bun behind her head, small earrings, and a white collared shirt and black coat.

                         The Fate of the Dark Night

 “My child, if I leave, you won’t find me again.”

The sun’s warm and broken rays disappeared. As the world dressed itself in black, owls shrieked with a chilling ugliness. Some people know better than anyone how terrifying an enemy the dark night can be—those are the ones who live in solitude.

When Sveta’s children suggested placing her in a nursing home, she had refused. And now, in a spacious house, she was left utterly alone. With age her bones weakened, seizures grew worse, and Sveta, helpless, longed for nothing more than a kind word. She cursed fate—for taking her husband seven years ago, and for scattering her children far away, like a volcano erupting from her heart, never to return.

Autumn had arrived, bringing a biting chill. The heavy black clouds above seemed to glare down at her. She went inside, intending to watch television for a while. The clock ticked like tireless ants in the field, yet to Sveta, time seemed to have stopped. Nothing on TV brought her joy; she grew bored. Entering the guest room, she slowly searched through the cabinet and found what she was looking for—the only keepsake left from a broken family: a photo album. Opening it, her eyes fell on the first page—a family portrait. In an instant, tears didn’t fall from her eyes, but blood.

Her little son Oleg, who had first spoken with the words “Mum, mum,” and her daughter Marina, who once prepared for a whole week to recite a poem at a holiday, appeared vividly before her eyes. As she thought of it, she realized the sweetest time for a mother was her children’s childhood. She longed to return to those days filled with tender worries. One by one, her memories poured out. Yet the same children who had never been deprived of her love, strength, gentle words, and money, now showed no interest in their mother’s condition—whether she lived or died, whether she was warm or cold, it was all the same to them. Bitterness filled her heart.

    When she saw the photograph from her wedding night, she was struck with yearning for her husband. “If only he were alive now, perhaps I would not be so humiliated,” she thought. Sveta’s soul was gone—only her body remained. Suddenly, a thunderclap split the sky, shaking the windows. Panic seized her. She felt as if she were burning from within, as though left to scorch in the middle of a desert. She longed to turn her face to the rain and rushed outside.

She had lost herself, running back and forth across the yard, as though someone were chasing her but could never catch her. She laughed so loudly as she ran that her voice seemed to echo with the thunder. The old white dog “Belka,” tied in the corner of the yard, barked at her without pause. At one point, she took too wide a step, slipped, and fell backward, striking her head on the ground. Unable to withstand the pain, she burst into tears. Her sobs mixed with the rain. In the embrace of the pitch-dark night, bright days flickered before her eyes.

   Years ago, it had rained like this too. Sveta rocked Oleg to sleep in the cradle, while her husband Ivan read fairy tales to Marina by candlelight. She had not known then that fate’s wheel would turn so cruelly. If she had foreseen it, she would never have let her children slip from her embrace. She would have taught them from childhood that it is not man who chases after sustenance, but sustenance that follows man. At that moment, she felt another sharp pain in her body. A seizure gripped her; her tongue rolled back, foam gathered at her lips. Helpless before fate, she collapsed. In the winter night, no one witnessed her agony—no one but the old dog in the yard.

Ablakulova Dilfuza Komiljon qizi was born on March 8, 2006 in Payariq district, Samarkand region. Currently, she is a 2nd year student of the Faculty of Public Law, group “B” of Tashkent State  University of Law. Volunteer of the University’s Legal Clinic, “Qomus” Clubs, and representative of the student committee.

Essay from Abdulazizova Nigina

DEVELOPING SPEECH CULTURE OF PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS                                                    

Author: Abdulazizova Nigina Faxriddin                                                            

Alfraganus University, Group BT 23/3                                                            

3rd year student Email: niginaabdulazizova46@gmail.com             

Phone: +998977363868

Abstract

This article analyzes the oral and written speech culture of primary school students, as well as effective methods for developing correct and culturally appropriate communication skills. It examines techniques for teaching students the fundamentals of proper speech through interactive and practical strategies. The study identifies key problems that arise in forming speech culture among young learners and explores scientific approaches to address them. The role of speech culture in social life and the importance of teaching effective communication are emphasized. The connection between speech culture and real-life situations is also discussed.

Keywords: Social speech, oral speech, methods, culture, written speech, socialization, ability, primary education.

Introduction: The primary education stage plays a key role not only in imparting knowledge and skills, but also in shaping students’ oral and written speech culture. The ability of a child to clearly and logically express thoughts is directly linked to future academic success and active social participation. For this reason, the development of speech culture in primary school students is considered one of the priority directions in modern education. However, in practice, students often face difficulties in both oral and written speech. These include limited vocabulary, poor grammar, pronunciation errors, and difficulties in expressing ideas coherently. Such issues demand the use of innovative pedagogical approaches by primary school teachers.

This article provides a scientific analysis of the main challenges encountered in developing oral and written speech culture in early grades, as well as their causes and possible solutions. It also highlights the significance of interactive methods, communicative approaches, and pedagogical technologies rooted in national values.

In recent years, important reforms have been implemented in Uzbekistan to promote the status and use of the state language. For example, the Presidential Decree “On the further development of the Uzbek language and improvement of language policy” (October 20, 2020) approved the “Concept for the Development of the Uzbek Language and Improvement of Language Policy for 2020–2030”.

The document aims to ensure the full use of the state language in all areas, raise public speech culture, and expand the scientific, educational, and cultural use of the language. From this point of view, forming the speech culture of students in primary education is not only a pedagogical issue but also a matter of social and spiritual importance, contributing to the strengthening of the status of the Uzbek language in society. The research findings offer practical recommendations for effectively developing speech culture in students.

Main Part

Raising well-rounded and competent youth — the future of our nation — is a top priority. Children should be able to freely and correctly express their thoughts in any setting, regardless of whom they are speaking to. For this, developing proper speech habits from an early age is essential.

When a child starts school, their vocabulary begins to grow. At this stage, the teacher plays a vital role in guiding students towards proper speech and explaining the concept of speech culture. But first, we must understand what “speech” is, how to develop it, and the requirements it must meet.

Speech is a form of human activity that utilizes language tools — words, phrases, and sentences — to express thoughts, convey emotions, and influence others. It is divided into two main types: oral and written speech.

Oral speech involves verbal communication between individuals. It is one of the primary forms of speech, typically occurring in real-time interaction. Its features include immediacy and the lack of editing opportunities.

Written speech is a more complex process that requires time and focuses on literacy and content clarity.

Vocabulary development methods include: • Direct observation of the environment; • Use of unfamiliar or rarely seen pictures; • Reading literature; • Showing educational and documentary films. A child’s lexical reservoir expands as they are introduced to their surroundings. A word is memorized when the child can mentally associate it with an object or action.

Educational games should consider children’s age and individual traits. The pace and rhythm of the game are crucial — if too slow, children become bored; if too fast, they become overexcited and distracted. Types of games include: • Games with objects and toys; • Table games; • Oral word games.

There are several effective methods for developing students’ speech culture: • Organizing events outside of class; • Using visual technologies; • Performing stage plays related to speech culture. These help instill moral values and communication skills. Using visual aids in lessons helps form lasting impressions in students’ minds. Extracurricular reading also plays a vital role in shaping students’ speech. During reading sessions, students: • Learn reading etiquette; • Build reading habits; • Understand characters’ behavior; • Express impressions using vivid language.

As Alisher Navoi noted in “Mahbub ul-qulub”:“Although language is an honorable gift, it becomes a curse when misused.” This implies that while speech is powerful, its misuse can be destructive. Therefore, developing children’s speech also involves cultivating their linguistic abilities.

In contrast, Al-Biruni stated that:“…In such a language, a number of foreign words appear which are understood by few and disliked because of their obscurity.” He believed people often reject what they do not understand.

Analysis and Results

To assess students’ speech culture, 31 third-grade students participated in a test. Based on their responses: • 22 students achieved excellent results; • 6 students performed satisfactorily; • 3 students showed unsatisfactory results.

While the results were relatively positive, there is room for improvement. To enhance outcomes, it is recommended to: • Organize more cultural events on speech culture; • Conduct stage performances; • Use various methods and technologies in class.

Conclusion

At the primary education level, shaping students’ speech culture is crucial for developing their thinking, communication, and social skills. Research shows that during this stage, students can effectively learn to: Speak clearly and fluently; Express thoughts logically; Engage appropriately with listeners.

The article analyzed the content, significance, and methodology of teaching speech culture step by step. Interactive methods, dialogic and monologic exercises, and the use of multimodal texts were found to be effective in developing expressive, cultured, and purposeful speech in students.

It was also emphasized that teaching methods should match students’ age and psychological characteristics, and oral and written speech should be developed in harmony.

References

1. Sh.Sh. Nizomova. Theory and Technology of Developing Children’s Speech. Bukhara: Science and Education, 2022. p. 36. 

2. M.U. Abdulkhayeva. Scholarly Views on Language and Speech, 2022. 

3. Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan: “On the further development of the Uzbek language and improvement of language policy”, October 20, 2020. 

4. Alisher Navoi. “Mahbub ul-qulub”, 1998. p. 94. 5. https://arxiv.uz 6. https://ilmiybaza.uz

Poetry from Mark Young

when our brain shuts down

There are no apparent limits

to science if vintage photos

of naked beachgoers can

change the way we think

about near-death experiences.

Postmodern Polka

(A Tom Beckett Title)

At first glance oxymoronic, yet there is an overlap.

Both parts autobiographical. The teenaged bassist, classically trained but now playing pizzicato, filling in at the local Polish Association’s New Year’s Ball — 57 varieties of potato salad, & just as many polkas — wearing an occasion-obligatory tuxedo borrowed from his father, one pants leg folded up a little bit because his father was lame, had one leg shorter than the other. That was one uncomfortable memory; another that the other three members of the quartet each received twice as much as this fill-in bassist, a fact revealed inadvertently when the organizer asked the band to play for a longer time, &, in offering an additional inducement, admitted what he had already paid.

The postmodern part comes a few years later, when the musician, now tired of carrying his bass around balanced on his shoulder because most taxis in the city were too compact to contain it, discovered he had a small ability with words.

inquiry

to 

see where

the antecedents lie

404 error

I go looking for the

early prognostications

by Bruce Sterling on

the potential rise &

rise of link rot. He was

probably correct, but it’s

impossible to be certain —

many of his given links

have rotted away.

today’s enlarge your unit by 25 percent hotmail email subject matter found poem

    judicature diminution triceratops coralli

    adobe detour payroll turtle controversy

    loveland genera phrasemake dagger enterprise

    squatter devoid haven tehran kettle morph

    cloddish zippy heliocentric altercate albumen

    telegram droll lyle neutron adolphus bounty

    kensington promptitude codebreak algebraic

    connivance howell miocene chateaux decade

A Love Supreme

My dreams — when

I remember them — are 

invariably in black 

& white, but I com-

pensate with a John

Coltrane soundtrack.

Poetry from Elmaya Jabbarova

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(Eastern European young woman in her 30s/40s with long thick curly black hair, a black and white checkered top and small pendant necklace).

Two rival feelings – reunion and longing 

The feeling of longing is a stronger feeling than reunion, 

Although the burden is heavy, it is experienced by love, love. 

Perhaps their eyes remain on the roads for a lifetime, 

Unfortunate fate rules, I wonder why, why? 

That small photo between the book 

Secretly – secretly watching, the happiest moment of life. 

What is stolen from longing should definitely be considered true, 

The shades of a smile floating in the flood of emotions. 

The life of reunion does not matter 

whether it is long or short, 

The moment it ends, its previous sweetness disappears. 

The farewell of longing ends, does not cause pain, 

Erases the sorrow that is buried, 

the sadness in the heart.

Elmaya Jabbarova was born in Azerbaijan. She is poet, writer, translator. Her poems from 2019 to date were published in the regional and foreign newspapers, magazine’s, books, Web. pages, Anthologies. She has been awarded many certificates diplomas, medals. She is Department manager of Hekari newspaper of Azerbaijan. She is a honorary member of the Writers of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. World Association of People’s Creators, Honorary member of the International Academy of Literature, Art, Culture and Social Sciences of Uzbekistan. She is an Academic. Appointed Coordinator, Secretary General of Azerbaijan, Argentina. She is presented in the book Famous Personalities MultiArt – 5, Argentina. She was a member World Poetic Fraternity. She was awarded the title of Global Poet of 2023; 2024. She was awarded the title of World Poet Laureate from Azerbaijan as one of 55 poets selected by Pentasi B Friendship Poetry for 2025.

Synchronized Chaos Magazine Mid-October Issue: Learning from History

La Fenetre de Paris announces a submission opportunity for poets. Poetry anthology Water: The Source of Life seeks submissions

Contributor Taylor Dibbert seeks reviewers for his new poetry book On the Rocks. Please email us at synchchaos@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Also, we will stop accepting submissions for November’s first issue on October 25th. You may still submit after that date, but your work will go into our second issue for the month.

Large sunlit medieval stained glass greenhouse with green plants and chairs and a piano.
Image c/o Rostislav Kralik

Now, for this month’s second issue, Learning From History.

Sayani Mukherjee muses on the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

Kelly Moyer’s film, created together with Hunter Sauvage and starring Robert P. Moyer and Annie, draws on ancient myth to understand the United States’ modern political situation. Abigail George analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of certain leadership styles illustrated by Donald Trump and several African leaders. Patricia Doyne speaks to the hubris of American political leadership. Andrew Brindle and Christina Chin’s tan-rengas explore society’s injustices and contradictions.

Old library warmed by incandescent lamplight with multiple floors of books.
Image c/o Petr Kratochvil

Ivan Pozzoni’s poetry declares his speaker’s independence of mind as an artist and offers critiques of government funds’ being taken from ordinary taxpayers to bail out large banks. Bill Tope’s short story celebrates the power of understanding and empathy for people at all social levels. Poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou interviews poet Til Kumari Sharma about the importance of gender equality, humanity and empathy, and living with solid morals. Til Kumari Sharma reviews Brenda Mohammed’s poetry collection Break the Silence, about ending drug addiction, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Nordona Norqulova describes strategies world governments use to combat terrorism. Til Kumari Sharma also expresses her hope for a world where women, children, and everyone is treated with respect.

Patrick Sweeney’s one-line senryus decenter the author as head of the universe. Mark Young contributes a fresh set of altered geographies. Baskin Cooper describes encounters slightly mysterious and askance. Christopher Bernard describes the frenzied, ghostly glamour of Cal Performances’ recent production of Red Carpet.

Brian Barbeito reflects on the wonder and spiritual curiosity he finds in natural landscapes. Su Yun’s collection of poetry from Chinese elementary school students reflects care for and admiration of the natural world and also a sense of whimsy and curiosity. Stephen Jarrell Williams’ short poems depict an escape from overcrowded cities back into nature. Vaxabdjonova Zarnigor discusses the chemical composition of chia seeds and their nutritional value. Nidia Garcia celebrates the natural environment and urges people to plant trees. Madina Abdisalomova reminds us that environmental care and stewardship is everyone’s responsibility.

Primeval jungle painting with dragonfly, sun and clouds, small trees and large green ferns.
Image c/o Martina Stokow

Mahbub Alam extols the beauty of morning and nature in his Bangladeshi home. Jonathan Butcher’s poetry explores the different rooms in which we make our lives and the stories they could tell about us. J.T. Whitehead shows how external cleaning can parallel interior personal development. Srijani Dutta discusses her personal spiritual journey in prayer to the divine of at least a few faiths.

Alexandros Stamatoulakis announces his new novel The Lonely Warrior: In the Wings of the Condor, about a man discovering himself in the midst of a tumultuous modern environment. Chris Butler’s wry poetry explores long-lasting, but hopefully not implacable, truisms of the human condition. Ana Glendza speaks to the fear and insecurities that come with being human. Kavi Nielsen speaks to the experience of loneliness and rejection.

Noah Berlatsky satirizes faux-human tech support and our efforts to understand our whole world through technology. Timothee Bordenave outlines innovative ways to improve electricity transmission as Abdurofiyeva Taxmina Avazovna discusses treatments for cataracts.

Old fashioned sepia toned photograph of a laboratory. Beakers, bottles of substances, and open books.
Image c/o Petr Kratochvil

Zarifaxon O’rinboyeva’s short story presents a woman overcoming poverty and grief to become a physician. Doug Hawley reflects on the ups and downs of summer jobs. Turdiyeva Guloyim’s poetic essay shares a complex emotional tapestry of childhood village memories. Rahmataliyeva Aidakhon highlights the importance of grasping folktales to understanding Uzbek heritage and culture. Madina Azamjon highlights the literary importance of Hamid Olimjon’s writing and how he drew on Uzbek folk culture for inspiration. Gulsanam Qurbonova extols the linguistic and cultural education she has received at her university. Ermatova Dilorom Bakhodirjonova explains the intertwined nature of Uzbek language and culture and the need to preserve both.

Mukhammadjonova Ugiloy celebrates her school and the sports and student leadership education she received there. Choriyeva Oynur outlines benefits of integrating technology into education. Abdirashidova Ozoda outlines the importance of encouraging and fostering creativity for preschool students. Nilufar Mo’ydinova discusses ways to encourage second language acquisition at an early age.

Anila Bukhari’s poetry celebrates the creative spirit surviving amid poverty and oppression. Taro Hokkyo’s prose poem details his protagonist’s escape from emotional and spiritual darkness to rise to the heights of creativity. Alan Catlin’s barman odyssey explores the roots of creative inspiration.

Emran Emon speaks to the recent Nobel Prize award for world literature and the value of writing. Abdusalimova Zukhraxon outlines strategies for teaching the Uzbek language to foreign students. Abdusaidova Jasmina Quvondiqovna shares some of her art and expresses her pride in her native Uzbekistan. Jumanazarova Munojot Elmurod qizi suggests ways to help young children learn to tell time. Qurbonova Madinaxon discusses the importance of games and play in children’s education. Hayotkhon Shermatova outlines issues with Uzbekistan’s educational system and how to address them. Azamova Kumushoy illustrates the importance of teaching language students how to analyze literary texts.

Classical statue of a woman with curly hair, blue waves, white chunks of veined marble for a crown, and sailing ships in the distance.
Image c/o Kai Stachowiak

Duane Vorhees revels in erotic sensuality and the learnedness of ancient history. Perwaiz Shaharyar’s poem, translated to English and Italian by Maria Miraglia, celebrates the beauty of the positive aspects of many cultures’ concept of the feminine.

Ismoilova Gulmira celebrates the strength, thoughtfulness, creativity and resilience of Uzbek girls and young women. Abduqahhorova Gulhayo’s poem takes joy in the grace and kindness of young Uzbek girls. Svetlana Rostova finds beauty in everything, even ugliness, loss, and death.

Graciela Noemi Villaverde praises the creative insight of her dance teacher. Saparov Akbar outlines his personal quests and passions and his desire to educate himself and elevate his life. Mesfakus Salahin’s poetry celebrates the artistic inspiration that can come from romantic love.

J.J. Campbell details his middle-aged, disillusioned quest for love or maybe just a little break from reality. Donia Sahib speaks to spiritual and earthly love. Teresa Nocetti’s poem urges a loved one to invite her into their life. Eva Petropoulou Lianou shares a tale of lovers in search for one another.

Mural of a person's hand from behind bars in a brick wall chained to a dove and a red flower.
Image c/o Guy Percival

Graciela Irene Rossetti’s poetry revels in tender gentleness. Mirta Liliana Ramirez expresses the pain of being shamed for who she is. Rezauddin Stalin speaks to partings and farewells. Umida Hamroyeva expresses her love and longing for a departed person.

Ahmed Miqdad speaks of the forgotten sufferings of ordinary people in Gaza. Fiza Amir’s poetry evokes the many personal losses and griefs of wartime. Jacques Fleury reviews Joy Behar’s play My First Ex-Husband, which explores marital and relationship issues in a way that is relatable for many people, married or single.

Mykyta Ryzhykh presents a protagonist who explores alternatives and then revels in his ordinary humanity. H. Mar. shares the joy of day-to-day human companionship.

We hope this issue provides artistic, emotional, and intellectual companionship to you as you peruse the various contributions.

Short story from Bill Tope

Mal Compris

A daughter was born one day to the King of a prosperous kingdom. She was christened Malade. She was a very even-tempered and pleasant girl, and a joy for her father to behold, until one day she was afflicted with a tremor about her features. A severe juddering affected her hands and face and was found by all to be quite disquieting. In fact, she could not hold a teacup without quivering so badly that the contents were spilled. The princess was the only child of the King and Queen. Malade, of course, had a plethora of tutors and so did not have to be around others her own age; that would have caused the King severe embarrassment, as well as being humiliating for the young girl herself. One must keep up appearances, as the King well knew.

When she was six years old, Malade was given lessons in the equestrian disciplines. A young groom, older than Malade by about one year, was there, and the two young people struck up a cordial though not close relationship. This youth was called Judicieux, and he was very good at his job, and soon he was tasked with servicing all the horses that the damsel used. Judicieux was sensitive to the plight of Malade, as he was himself lame. Though she was starved for attention from children, they both recognized their proper places.

Years passed. As Malade grew into young adulthood, she was beset by the responsibilities of her position: functions of ceremony at her father’s table and in the King’s stead. But her malady never lessened; the juddering continued.

“Oh, Judicieux,” she said one day in the stables, preparing to mount her steed. “What shall I do?” I am to meet the prince from the northern kingdom. His father and the King desire that the prince and I wed and effect the joining together of our kingdoms. “What if the prince hates me?”

“He can’t help but love you, Milady,” said the groom with feeling.

“But my quivering,” she said sorrowfully. “With all the beautiful women in our two kingdoms, why would he give me even a second glance?”

“If he has but eyes to see, Milady,” he said from his heart. He then limped back into the stable.

Malade thought of Judicieux: “For a cripple, he has many beneficent qualities. He shall make some peasant girl a fine mate.” And she thought nothing more of Judicieux or her dilemma, for she was astride a horse.

“Milady,” said Inepta, watching as her mistress struggled with her palsied hands, “perhaps if you concentrate, if you tell yourself to be calm, you will not judder, and things will be alright.”

“Thank you, Inepta,” said Malade, “but in seventeen years that strategy has been to no avail.

“Yes, Milady,” murmured Inepta, looking sadly at the princess.

That night, the kingdom was astir. The king would formally announce the engagement of Malade to the prince of the neighboring kingdom. Prince Stephen was rich, handsome, powerful, and heir to his kingdom. Much was made of the festivities. It was wintertime as well, and Christmas was likewise celebrated. This was everyone’s favorite time of year. Sumptuous comestibles proliferated, and sparkling wine flowed like rivers. Everyone partook heartily of the rich food and libations, and at the summit of the evening, attention was focused on the prince and princess.

“Daughter,” intoned the King robustly, “you have before you a prince worthy of your honor.”

She looked shyly into the eyes of Prince Stephen. He returned her gaze, but his face fell.

“Great King,” said he, “I cannot marry the Princess Malade.”

“But,” the King objected. “It is all arranged.”

“That may be, but I have our mutual kingdoms to consider. What will become of us if I marry the Princess and our children are born who are as deranged as she is? How would our realms function? How would our diplomats sort it out if it were thought that the royal family was addle-minded? We would surely become a laughing stock throughout the continent.” The prince’s words pierced like a dagger the heart of the princess.

The king took a great breath and released it wearily. He knew what the prince said was conventional wisdom. He released the prince from his betrothal.

So the Princess returned to her solitary existence, seeing no one other than her lady in waiting, Inepta, and her groom, the lowly Judicieux. She continued to relish time spent among her magnificent stable of horses. Starved for companionship, Princess Malade began conversing ever more intimately with Judicieux on any number of subjects; to her great surprise, she found that he was informed, intelligent, and wise far beyond his station in life. He rivaled the courtiers, in fact, in his canniness. She began to harbor an idea. Despite the fact that Judicieux was neither rich nor handsome, nor the heir to a great throne, she was completely smitten with him.

One day Malade approached the King and inquired, “Father, shall I never marry?” The King, surprised that the Princess would want to marry after the debacle with Prince Steven, responded to his daughter.

“Why, Malade, you will never be wed to a sovereign, as you have seen, but you may of course marry—if only for companionship. And I suppose that if you have a male child, he will inherit the throne, whether he is a juddering idiot or not.”

“I have chosen my husband,” she announced excitedly. The king, with little enthusiasm, asked who it would be. “I shall wed the most intelligent, thoughtful, and wisest man in all the kingdom,” she told him. “I shall marry for love,”

“Have you only just met him?” he inquired.

“I have known him half my life,” she replied. “And the King, seeing as Malade was very old now—almost twenty—knew this to be a long time indeed.”

“If you have made your decision, word shall go out, and a wedding will be arranged,” he said, but still with scant enthusiasm. “Er… who have you chosen?” he asked.

“Judicieux, chief groom of the stables,” she told him. The King swallowed any remarks he might have had.

And so a wedding was held. All the dignitaries attended, including Prince Stephen, who had since married and was beset by a harpy of a wife.  He was barely able to draw a breath, but she would criticize him for it. But she had a fertile womb, and all of her children were likewise disposed to be curmudgeons. Stephen’s kingdom was almost constantly at war due to his poor diplomatic skills. The prince looked upon Malade now with admiration, for certainly she was the most beautiful bride ever to grace this or any other castle. He had simply never noticed before.

After the wedding, Judicieux, as the husband of the King’s only daughter, sparked an interest in the king. Like his daughter, he was pleasantly surprised by the native intelligence, thoughtfulness, and wisdom of his son-in-law–and a cripple at that!  And as a part of the royal family, the former groom was drawn into the diplomatic order and soon became the outstanding minister in his Majesty’s service. And as his abilities became well known, so too did Malade’s grace, manners, and loving instinct. They had many children, but one of them–like the princess and later the queen–had tremors, but the child was treated with patience, understanding, and compassion. And showered with love. After a long reign by her parents, that child, christened Empathique, served as the greatest sovereign that the kingdom ever saw.

Essay from Gulsanam Qurbonova

Young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair and brown eyes and a white blouse, speaking in a museum.

MY UNIVERSITY

There are moments in life that become turning points — moments that change not only our path but our entire destiny. For me, one of those moments was my decision to study at the Uzbek State University of World Languages. This choice was not just about education; it was the beginning of a journey that would define my dreams, values, and future mission.

I have always been fascinated by the world of languages. As a child, I tried to understand foreign songs and dreamed of watching movies without subtitles. For me, language is not only a tool for communication but also a bridge that connects different cultures, minds, and hearts. That is why I decided to dedicate my life to learning languages and teaching them to others.

The Uzbek State University of World Languages is not just a university — it is a place where dreams come true. Here, science and culture meet, new ideas are born, and every student discovers their inner strength. What attracted me most was that the education here is not limited to theory; it is connected with real-life practice and the modern world.

At this university, I am learning not only German but also humanity, discipline, and teamwork. Every lesson, every text opens a new world for me. Our teachers inspire us not only to learn but also to dream, to believe, and to act. Every day I feel proud to be a student here.

Studying here has changed the way I see life. I no longer see language learning as only grammar or vocabulary memorization. Language is a philosophy of life — the most powerful bridge that connects humans to the world. Through language, we don’t just speak; we think, feel, and create.

My greatest goal is to become a skilled linguist, translator, or teacher. I want young people in Uzbekistan to achieve their dreams through learning foreign languages — to explore the world and to make our nation’s voice heard globally. Because every young Uzbek has great potential within; all they need is faith and hard work.

The Uzbek State University of World Languages has given me more than knowledge — it has given me confidence. This confidence reminds me that I, too, can move forward toward my dreams. Every lesson, every challenge, every small victory is shaping me into a stronger and wiser person.

In the future, I will proudly mention this university’s name, because it showed me the way, gave me wings, and opened the door to the world. I know the road ahead will not be easy, but every step brings me closer to my dream. Because this is not just a university — it is a school of life.

Qurbonova Gulsanam Ilhom qizi was born on April 16, 2006, in Dehqonobod district of Kashkadarya region. She is currently a 2nd-year student at the Faculty of Romance and Germanic Philology, majoring in German Philology at the Uzbek State University of World Languages. She has achieved remarkable success in various fields, including sports, education, and art.