Poetry from Mesfakus Salahin

South Asian man with reading glasses and red shoulder length hair. He's got a red collared shirt on.
Mesfakus Salahin

‎When Spring Touches Me

‎When spring touches me

‎I search for myself within myself

‎All colors lose their color

‎Only red finds a new language

‎My heartbeat spreads fragrance in the deep of eyes

‎When you touch me

‎I get lost within myself

‎Poets become poems

‎Poems sing the praises of love

‎The topic of love flows in the end of waiting.

‎When spring is far away

‎I wait

‎The kite of time flies in the blue sky.

‎When you are far away

‎From one planet to another

‎It feels like the whole world is mine.

Poetry from James Tian

East Asian man with a white suit coat and tan pants and a red tie and short dark hair and reading glasses standing on a balcony.

Need for Blessing

They say,

To mourn the dead,

In the way we bless the living—

Is a kind of respect,

A kind of ritual.

They say,

To bless the living,

In the way we mourn the dead—

Is a kind of device,

A kind of cunning.

The living need mourning,

The dead need blessing.

Like the clouds in the sky,

Never let single eyes gaze escape.

A living who has never been mourned,

Is like a dead already blessed.

Under a strange state of mind,

They speak words that sound normal.

Poetry from Harry Stammer

haiu-qt seared #33

? Y d f g

a E 8 ; f i g

 ! Z e g h

haiu-qt seared #32

b s t o p

s q u o n d r

c t o p q

haiu-qt seared #29

b o w t a

p e r y a h a

Z o T w e

harry k stammer lives in Santa Barbara, CA USA. His books include tents – 2007 Otoliths,  grounds – 2013 Otoliths, tocsin – 2019 Otoliths, –48 – 2021 Sandy Press, sidewalkss – 2021 Concrete Mist Press, walls’t’s – 2021 Sandy Press, alleys’t’ – 2023 Concrete Mist Press, and Getting to One with Eileen Tabios – 2023 Sandy Press. harry’s sound/poem pieces can be found at https://harrykstammer.bandcamp.com

Poetry from Tanisha Keefe

Toxic toll
I once was whole
before the immense pain you so selfishly inflicted on my soul
Was this the goal — to pay a toll
or has this simply taken a toll
Led by control: reprogramming
theft of my wants
Pure soul, slowly — but surely — playing a role
defamation of a chosen self
hoping for victory
painting this picture of me
as if it were my destiny
Could this be the death of me,
or the unapologetic theft of she —
what used to be no longer remains shell never be the same
Such a tragedy

Shhhhh
Signs and synchronicities With repetitive actions with self sabotaging consequences
same song, same
dance should I have even given you a chance Already awaiting the consequence
retraction should I even be asking
why there is a lack of passion why we wear this costume of love as if it’s a fashion
smile
and pretend it’s all peachy we were the illusion as if it was Avicii

Cursed within
Rejuvenation of one’s worth it starts with ones feet grounding to the Earth Mind over
mentality always shows the truth what feels like a curse Is revealed and
reversed And then only proceed after completing one’s need
What follows worth is the real realization you have to love you first
Love all around even the dark stuff you keep deep deep down all while treading
emotions
try not to drown stay afloat
love ain’t no joke, but there’s always hope

Best friend
What’s always there when you need it
In any and every situations
They have read every page in your book
They can read you and literally know every detail and nook
They stick with you through
Thick and thin
That’s right you guessed it
It’s my best friend
MMH est 2011

Poetry from Mahbub Alam

Middle aged South Asian man with reading glasses, short dark hair, and an orange and green and white collared shirt. He's standing in front of a lake with bushes and grass in the background.
Mahbub Alam

Slough

The snail shell scatters

Some pick it up some throw it away

Though mine is not like your beautiful eyes

I find the beauty under the morning nyctanthes plants

In your sky, all around the down

In the frangrant morning breeze

What a tune! All the flowers and birds seem to be singing

All the words of life, love and fun are revealed

Life is a reflection of life

Through the darkness of the shell

Hundreds of thousands of lamps emerges daily

What a beautiful, shiny shell of a snail emerges in the raw sunlight!

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Essay from Nurmetova Orzu

Problems in the process of teaching the mother tongue at school
Kattakorgan State Pedagogical Institute
Faculty of Pedagogy
Primary Education Department student
Nurmetova Orzu Farhod qizi
Tel: (+998)-88-267-37-07
E-mail: orzunurmetova48@gmail.com

       Annotatsiya : Ushbu maqolada maktabda ona tili taʼlimini samarali tashkil etish masalalari hamda bu yoʻnalishda uchrayotgan muammolar tahlil qilingan.Maqolada oʻquv jarayonida qoʻllanilayotgan darsliklar va metodikalar,oʻquvchilarning kasbiy tayyorgarligi,nutq madaniyati hamda tilga boʻlgan munosabati haqida soʻz yuritiladi.Shuningdek,zamonaviy pedagogik texnologiyalarni qoʻllash,interfaol usullarni keng joriy etish,oʻquvchilarda ona tiliga muhabbat va masʼuliyat hissini shakllantirish boʻyicha soʻz yuritilgan

Kalit so‘zlar: ona tili, ta’lim jarayoni, metodika, o‘qitish usullari, dars sifati, o‘quvchi faolligi, nutq madaniyati, imlo xatolari, yozma nutq, og‘zaki nutq, didaktik materiallar.

Аннотация: В данной статье проанализированы вопросы эффективной организации преподавания родного языка в школе, а также проблемы, возникающие в этом направлении. В статье рассмотрены используемые в учебном процессе учебники и методики, профессиональная подготовка учащихся, культура речи и отношение к языку. Также речь идет о применении современных педагогических технологий, широком внедрении интерактивных методов, формировании у учащихся чувства любви и ответственности к родному языку.

Ключевые слова: родной язык, образовательный процесс, методика, методы преподавания, качество урока, активность учащихся, культура речи, орфографические ошибки, письменная речь, устная речь, дидактические материалы.

Annotation: This article analyzes the issues of effectively organizing mother tongue teaching at school and the challenges encountered in this field. The article discusses the textbooks and methodologies used in the learning process, students’ professional preparation, speech culture, and their attitude towards the language. In addition, it focuses on the use of modern pedagogical technologies, the extensive implementation of interactive methods, and cultivating a sense of love and responsibility towards the mother tongue among students.

Keywords: mother tongue, educational process, methodology, teaching methods, lesson quality, student activity, speech culture, spelling errors, written speech, oral speech, didactic materials.

Introduction: The mother tongue is a spiritual treasure of the nation, and the most important means that expresses the people’s thinking and culture. Teaching the mother tongue in the school education system is aimed not only at providing grammatical knowledge, but also at developing the ability to think correctly, fluently and consistently, expanding students’ vocabulary, and improving their speech culture.

However, today there are several problems in the process of teaching the mother tongue in schools. On one hand, this is related to the effectiveness of teaching methods, and on the other hand, it is closely connected with the general attitude towards language culture in society.

At a time when learning foreign languages is gaining great importance in the context of globalization, it is necessary to further strengthen the prestige and status of the mother tongue. Therefore, improving the process of teaching the mother tongue at school, strengthening students’ love and respect for their native language, and increasing the effectiveness of education based on modern pedagogical approaches are among the most urgent tasks.

Literature review

Scientific work and research conducted on teaching the mother tongue in schools show the relevance of this topic. Sh. Almamatova and M. Mamatqulova in their research highlighted the learning problems that occur in modern lessons and developed proposals to eliminate them. U.B. Bobojonova systematically justified the general didactic and subject-specific methodological principles in mother tongue teaching. S.M. Umarova scientifically substantiated the effectiveness of using an integrative approach in teaching the mother tongue, that is, teaching the language in harmony with other subjects through learning tasks. In the article “Current problems in teaching the mother tongue and literature and ways to solve them” written by Jalil Jalolovich, problems related to the scientific-methodological consistency of textbooks, students’ low literacy level, teachers’ methodological culture, and the material and technical base of schools were widely analyzed. These views show that the number of scientific studies on this topic is increasing and that the topic requires constant research.

Research methods

The research on the topic “Problems in the process of mother tongue teaching at school” was carried out on the basis of the following methods:

Observation method – During the research, mother tongue lessons at school were directly observed, and the organization of the lesson, the level of using interactive methods, students’ activity in the lesson, and their independent thinking skills were studied. Based on the results, recommendations were developed to improve lesson effectiveness.

Survey and interview method – Surveys were conducted among students and teachers. In it, students’ interest in the mother tongue subject, problems in speech culture, difficulties encountered during the lesson, and teachers’ methodological approaches were studied. Interviews were also conducted with teachers and their professional experience was analyzed.

Analysis method – School textbooks, curriculum, methodological guides, practical experiences, and materials related to the activities of advanced teachers were analyzed. Based on these, the effective and weak aspects of the lesson process were identified and directions for improvement were developed.

Results and discussion

The results of the research showed that the main problems in the process of teaching the mother tongue are as follows:

the development of students’ oral and written speech is weak, their vocabulary is limited, and their skills of using grammar rules in practice are low;

the learning process is more focused on theoretical knowledge, and work on text analysis, creative thinking and speech situations is insufficient;

teachers’ pedagogical skills and their aspiration for innovation in choosing methodological approaches are not high everywhere;

due to the large number of students in classes, individual approach is limited;

extracurricular reading culture is weak, and interest in reading fiction is insufficient.

To eliminate these problems, it is necessary to strengthen interactive approaches in teachers’ activities, organize lessons based on practical exercises, increase work with texts that develop independent thinking in students, and involve parents in the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mother tongue is not only a subject that provides grammatical knowledge, but also the main subject that shapes the student’s thinking, worldview, speech and spirituality. Therefore, improving the teaching process of the mother tongue at school is a requirement of the time. Applying modern pedagogical technologies in the lesson, strengthening teachers’ methodological training, increasing students’ love and respect for the language, and establishing work with literary texts will increase the efficiency of education. As a result, the speech culture, thinking capacity and national identity of the future generation will rise.

References

  1. Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to radically increase the prestige and status of the Uzbek language as the state language”, PF–6084. – Tashkent, October 20, 2020.
  2. Almamatova Sh., Mamatqulova M. Problems and solutions in teaching the mother tongue. – Tashkent, 2022.
  3. Bobojonova U.B. General didactic and subject-specific principles of teaching the mother tongue. – Tashkent, 2021.
  4. Umarova S.M. The methodology of developing national pride in teaching the mother tongue through integrative learning tasks. – Tashkent, 2024.
  5. Jalolovich J. Current problems in teaching the mother tongue and literature and ways to eliminate them. – Tashkent, June 22, 2025.
  6. G‘ulomova A., Qodirov B., Tojiev R., Raxmatullayev Sh. Using interactive methods in mother tongue lessons. – Tashkent, 2021.
  7. Omonov H., Mamatqulova M. Modern pedagogical technologies. – Tashkent, 2020.

Journalist Jakhongir Nomozov interviews Vuqar Akhmed

SCIENCE REQUIRES OBJECTIVITY, PRECISION, AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY

Older middle ages Central Asian man in a dark blue coat over a light blue collared shirt reading a book.

Today’s interlocutor is Doctor of Philology, Professor, People’s Poet of Turan, Academician of the International Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Press History and Journalism at the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, laureate of numerous international awards, distinguished literary scholar, well-known poet and publicist, and a member of the Azerbaijan Writers’ and Journalists’ Union, Vuqar Akhmed.

Childhood is the happiest and purest season of our lives. All future dreams start in childhood. So let’s begin our conversation from your childhood…

— I always remember my childhood with particular reverence. Childhood is the first stage of a person’s emotional world and imagination; it is the first school where the soul is formed. The desires, fears, and simple joys that arise there form the foundation of future creativity and perception of the world. That is why it is appropriate to begin our conversation from my childhood — both my poetic and scientific interests can be traced back to that period.

Childhood dreams come to mind, My mischief and playful charms. Crying and laughing, Being upset with adults over anything.***It was full of sweets, I would wear gloves when it snowed. The last night of childhood was beautiful, It was a mugham, a ghazal for me.***Childhood dreams come to mind, Frightful winter tales, Little gifts in Novruz trays, The boys and girls of those years.

My first freedom ran and hid, In hide-and-seek my joy was plenty, The taste of sweet tea and salty bread, I still recall the delight of my first appetite.***We were very happy, lucky then, I never thought of the beginning or the end. Childhood dreams remain in my memory, And there was a child named Vuqar.—

Your poems and songs are full of delicate emotions. For you, what is the greatest source of inspiration — people, nature, love, or history?

— The sources of inspiration are diverse. For me, the strongest is the human being themselves — their inner world and love. Yet, the memory of the people, national spirit, and history also give poetry a rich context. Nature can sometimes be a simple metaphor or sometimes a profound silence for the soul. Inspiration cannot be tied to a single source — these elements complement each other and synthesize in poetry.— The true value of a human life is not measured by the years lived but by what one creates and the impact left on others’ hearts.

Have you ever asked yourself how you have lived your life so far?

I always carry such questions with me. I measure the value of life not by the number of years, but by the significance of the marks left. Science, teaching, literature, and family — these are activities that become history for me.— Some people want to possess everything, as if their life were enough to claim it all.

To what extent have you been able to cherish and use the blessings and opportunities given to you?

Opportunities have never been perfect, but I have tried to make the most of what was given: scientific research, publications, journalistic activity, and poetry. Particularly, I have worked in the fields of children’s literature, press history, and the topics of Southern Azerbaijan and Karabakh, achieving certain results. I consider this work a duty and a responsibility to preserve the national spirit.

To live with science requires patience, because it destroys illusions that cannot be restored. Especially, living in accordance with science is very challenging. In your opinion, what responsibilities does carrying the burden of science entail?

Science demands objectivity, precision, and ethical responsibility. It also carries a social responsibility: acquired knowledge must be shared with society and the younger generation. Patience, humility, and consistent professionalism are essential on this path.

What conclusions have you drawn from your scientific work on children’s literature? How does children’s literature contribute to forming the national spirit?

Children’s literature is a key factor influencing the early development of the national spirit. The first images, values, language, and stories given to children lay the foundation of their national consciousness. My research also shows that children’s literature is a strategic field for transmitting language, cultural values, and historical memory, which is why it deserves special attention.

You also conduct scientific work in journalism and press history. How responsible or dangerous do you consider modern journalism compared to classical journalism?

Classical journalism ideally emphasizes responsibility and objectivity. Modern journalism, however, faces rapid information flow, commercial pressures, and short-term sensationalism. These changes may sometimes weaken responsibility and lower content quality. Nevertheless, professional and ethical media still uphold classical journalism principles.

At the Nizami Ganjavi Institute of Literature, the Department of Press History and Journalism, which I lead, has achieved significant success in researching national press history and producing new scientific results. One of our achievements is the first publication of the Molla Nasreddin Encyclopedia under the leadership of academician Isa Khabibbeyli.

What needs of society does poetry satisfy today — spiritual consolation, social struggle, philosophical inquiry, or personal expression?

Poetry meets various needs: it can provide spiritual comfort, voice social-political arguments, raise philosophical questions, and express personal emotions. Each era’s poetry highlights one or several of these functions depending on its context. The most effective poem is one that resonates within the reader and stimulates thought.— In the history of Azerbaijani poetry, there are geniuses like Nizami, Khagani, and Fuzuli.

How do modern poets use their legacy? Do they study it sufficiently?

Learning from the great classics is essential — their aesthetic, philosophical, and linguistic capacities provide rich resources for contemporary poetry. Many modern Azerbaijani poets draw from this legacy, yet it requires both deep study and creative transformation. In my observation, deep analysis of the classics remains relevant, and many approach this legacy with new layers of meaning.

— Today’s Azerbaijani poetry: Rainy is my winter, my spring,My stringed saz plays a sorrowful tune,It is my soul, my dear flag.Both smiling and crying,Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan.We are Majnun, she is Leyli,We poured love into her, freely,Both from the North and South,Karabakh’s hair turned gray,Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan.Flying high, flying high,I travel the road to Savalan,Praying to the Creator.I say to my Tabriz: “Life!”Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan.Wounded in wars,Ripped apart its lands,Divided into two.When will it be united again?Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan.Sixty million compatriots,Our Azer-Turk brothers,Separated, our tears remain.God above, Quran on Earth,Victory, Azerbaijan.

Your poems convey spiritual quest and inner elevation. How do Sufis like Rumi, Shams Tabrizi, Nasimi, and Yassavi influence your worldview?

The spiritual search, inner purification, and ideas of compassion from Sufis have shaped my worldview. Their symbolic language and spiritual quest appear in my poetry as metaphorical layers. For me, the most valuable aspect of Sufism is its emphasis on individual responsibility and the elevation of morality.

You have participated in international scientific journals and congresses. How is Azerbaijani poetry perceived in the context of global literature?

Azerbaijani poetry is increasingly recognized in international forums — especially for contemporary topics, national motifs, and translations. Based on my experience in congresses and journals, Azerbaijani poetry is recognized for its unique voice and attracts attention abroad.— Works that provide pleasure, spiritual nourishment, and invite reflection on life and the human soul are rare today.

How do 20th–21st century Azerbaijani poetry and prose differ?

The 20th–21st centuries demanded flexible literary forms due to national liberation, social, and ideological upheavals; the 21st century provides a more magical and multifaceted expression within globalization, new media, and individual freedom. In prose, the transition from realist and modernist traditions to postmodern and experimental techniques is evident. In both eras, the dialogue between content and form enriches the literary language.

Are works being created today that will endure in eternity?

Yes. Works that reflect deep human issues, the spirit of the times, and original aesthetic search are created in every era. Both form and content must hold value for literature to endure.— Writing about masters is both easy and difficult. Easy because you know their creative path and friends well.

Could you share your thoughts on your mentors and their place in your creative and life journey?

My mentors include both classical and contemporary scholars and poets. Their lessons, critiques, and personal guidance have taught me scientific methodology and poetic taste. Each mentor has left an imprint on my creative and pedagogical work, enriching my worldview.— As A. Krylov said: “A critic shows the flaw with one hand and crowns the beauty with the other, refining taste.”

As a professor and poet, what criteria do you rely on when analyzing and critiquing a work?

Firstly, I consider the text’s aesthetic quality, linguistic accuracy, and conceptual coherence. Then context: the author’s intent, historical-cultural background, and genre conventions. Critique must be constructive and objective — the aim is not to destroy the work but to reveal its potential. Academic requirements, sources, and fact-checking are also essential.

Young Central Asian man in a white collared shirt reading a book.

Jakhongir NOMOZOV, is a young poet and journalist from Uzbekistan.  He is also a Member of the Union of Journalists of Azerbaijan and the World Young Turkic Writers Union.