FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ COMMUNICATION COMPETENCE

Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute

Lecturer: Rayimova Dilfuza Abdinabiyevna

Abstract This article discusses the theoretical foundations of developing students’ communication competence, the importance of mastering their native language and improving the level of speech communication skills, and highlights the system of professionally significant qualities. It also emphasizes the need to focus on methodological support for diagnosing professional mastery.

Keywords language education, ability to communicate, fostering the quality of enjoying communication, cultivating aesthetic education, developing independent thinking. The aim is to enhance student competence through such communication.

Main Part Taking into account that language develops as society progresses, the issue of enriching native language teaching with new developmental methods is becoming increasingly relevant. Students should be taught that learning and teaching the secrets of our native language through interactive and innovative methods, while ensuring deep and nationally rooted understanding, is necessary. In higher educational institutions, it is important to ensure the continuity of teaching the Uzbek language, strengthen students’ orthographic and stylistic literacy, and create mechanisms to raise language skills and communication competence to an advanced level.

The necessity of implementing reforms and modernizing the content of native language (Uzbek) education at all levels of schooling is essential. This enables students of higher education institutions to further develop their abilities of deep thinking, listening, and communicating in their mother tongue, while also applying innovative educational technologies in this process. Uzbek pedagogical scholars have underlined that developing students into well-rounded individuals requires systematic scientific-theoretical approaches. 

In Uzbekistan, purposeful and systematic measures are being carried out to improve the content and thematic quality of Uzbek language education as the national and state language.

For example, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor U.I. Inoyatov emphasizes the theoretical and organizational-methodological foundations of monitoring and managing the quality of education, stressing that one of the important factors in professional and human thinking is language and speech competence. Methodologist M. Sobirova’s fundamental research explores theoretical and practical aspects of improving professional specialization. Researcher O.A. Abduquddusov addresses integrative approaches in training young and future specialists, focusing on solutions to the problems of thinking, language, and speech. D. Yuldasheva highlights the problem of preparing specialists with professional mastery and eloquent speech. Scholars such as Ibragimova G., Azimova I., Ziyodullayeva G., and Murodova A. explore issues such as developing interactive creativity, the psycholinguistic basis for improving linguistic skills in native language teaching, the role of rule systems in shaping communicative competence, and the importance of listening and comprehension in native language learning.

Teaching our national language requires clearly explaining and instilling the unique lifestyle, ethnography, and traditions of the Uzbek people that are preserved in the language. For this, it is essential to effectively use comparison, contrast, and generalization methods and technologies in teaching. It is the duty of a native language teacher to ensure that students understand the essence of concepts and terms, which are linguistic units. Therefore, a university teacher must themselves fully master Uzbek language and speech competence.

Based on the theoretical foundations of developing communication skills among university students, it can be said that language and speech etiquette are the essence of Uzbek national life. In any time, place, or society where good behavior and proper speech prevail among members of the community, that society prospers, its living conditions improve, and peace reigns.

When addressing the issue of improving students’ knowledge of their native language and communication skills, attention should first be directed toward identifying the system of professionally important qualities. This serves as both the basis and the methodological provision for diagnosing the dynamic individuality of a professionally skilled person.

Naturally, communication has several functions. The most frequently used is the conversation between interlocutors, beginning with greetings and extending to the highest levels of communication. National characteristics also dominate communication. Among Uzbeks, from a simple and sincere greeting to parting, such features are clearly visible.

Another important aspect of communication is that it encourages activity. Particularly in the educational process, communication creates activity. To meet the need for communication, a person must master the art of speech and etiquette. Communication is carried out through verbal expression.

In our wise nation, there are many proverbs and teachings about the rules of speaking, caution in the use of language, and the importance of thinking before uttering every word and sentence. One such saying states that a person’s honor and dignity are reflected in their cultured way of speaking. If one does not follow the etiquette of speech, their humanity will not be visible. If speech is expressed appropriately and meaningfully, it is better to listen in silence. Mastery of literary language requires not only spelling but also correct pronunciation, as these are two sides of the same coin. Deviating from literary pronunciation norms is equivalent to semi-literacy in writing.

The structural elements of speech communication include:

a) transmitting communicative information;

b) acting in interactive cooperation;

c) jointly perceiving in a perceptive way.

For example, in the communicative process, when a teacher explains a topic, they first set a communicative goal and then demand interactive actions (cooperation) from students. In practical and seminar classes, as well as lectures, the teacher addresses students with various questions and evaluates them accordingly. Most students show activity in this regard, though some find it very difficult to raise their hands and answer. A student forced to respond may show uncertainty in speech at the very communicative stage. Or, even if both sides act interactively, if they do not perceive the expressed idea together, the perceptive aspect of communication is disrupted, leading to poor comprehension of the lesson. Neglecting these aspects during communication results in misunderstanding.

Therefore, developing students’ speech communication culture should be determined in advance as parameters in the form of knowledge, skills, and abilities aligned with small-scale objectives. For example, the content of dialogue replicas forms separate units. Verbal communication is not limited to questions and answers; it also includes listening to the interlocutor, asking counter-questions, rejecting questions, encouraging action, making proposals, and so on. This requires the use of various lexical and grammatical tools and formulaic sentences. Hence, mastering speech communication (dialogue) requires a broad approach.

Our observations show that most sentences constructed and presented by students have logical connections, but the normative level of words and grammatical forms used to construct syntactic structures does not fully meet the requirements. Cases were observed where auxiliary words, word-forming, form-building, and syntactic relation-forming affixes were not used appropriately. To improve students’ native language knowledge and communication skills, teachers should encourage them to read more literary books, do more writing exercises, and develop the habit of working with dictionaries.

Therefore, developing students’ speech communication culture should be determined in advance as parameters in the form of knowledge, skills, and abilities aligned with small-scale objectives. For example, the content of dialogue replicas forms separate units. Verbal communication is not limited to questions and answers; it also includes listening to the interlocutor, asking counter-questions, rejecting questions, encouraging action, making proposals, and so on. This requires the use of various lexical and grammatical tools and formulaic sentences. Hence, mastering speech communication (dialogue) requires a broad approach.

Our observations show that most sentences constructed and presented by students have logical connections, but the normative level of words and grammatical forms used to construct syntactic structures does not fully meet the requirements. Cases were observed where auxiliary words, word-forming, form-building, and syntactic relation-forming affixes were not used appropriately. To improve students’ native language knowledge and communication skills, teachers should encourage them to read more literary books, do more writing exercises, and develop the habit of working with dictionaries.

In higher education institutions, developing the speech competence of future specialists is crucial for encouraging creativity, carrying out projects, and fostering literary reading and writing practices. Developing students’ communication culture should be set in advance as parameters in the form of knowledge, skills, and abilities aligned with small-scale objectives.

From modern requirements, we can identify the following main ways and requirements for developing language and speech competence of future specialists, based on the content of education:

1. A specialist with sectoral scientific-theoretical training and creativity must possess speech competence.

2. Engaging in scientific-research and experimental activities, they must be able to express the realities of their work in both written and oral forms appropriate to speech styles.

3. When introducing new technologies, they must be able to fully explain and demonstrate their specific features using professional terminology.

4. Through modern electronic media, they must be able to express virtual communication clearly, simply, concisely, and without vagueness, using national and professional styles. They must ensure the clarity and validity of information through the words they use.

Conclusion

The successful resolution of political, economic, and social tasks in society largely depends on how well each member of society knows their native language and can apply it in practice—that is, in speech situations, environments, and among people of different social groups—freely, clearly, simply, and fluently.

Cultivating in students the ability to communicate correctly, fluently, and meaningfully, while at the same time enhancing their aesthetic taste and developing their independent thinking capacity, is one of the key tasks in achieving communicative literacy and developing student competence.

References

1. www.namspi.uz universaljurnal.uz INNOVATIONS. Materials of the Republican Scientific-Practical Conference. Namangan, October 10–11, 2024. Presidential Decree No. 5850 on measures to fundamentally enhance the prestige and status of the state language.

2. Inoyatov U.I. Theoretical and Organizational-Methodological Bases of Monitoring the Quality of Education in Professional Colleges. Dissertation. Tashkent, 2003. p. 327.

3. Xalikova Sh. Problems of Improving Education and Science. Qarshi, 2022. pp. 558–560.

4. Sobirova M. Teaching Language Phenomena on the Basis of an Anthropocentric Approach. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education (INT-JECSE), Vol. 14, Issue 07, 2022. DOI: 10.9756/INTJECSE/V14I7.91.

5. Textbook. Namangan: Arjumand Media, 2023. Vol. 512.

6. Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan. Manual. Bukhara State University, 2013.

7. PhD Dissertation. Developing Students’ Creative Abilities. Tashkent, 2017. p. 137.

SUSTAINABILITY IN BOOK PUBLISHING: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

         This article analyzes the concept of sustainability in book publishing, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities available for sustainable development. It examines the use of environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies in the publishing industry, the role of digital publishing, and its economic and social aspects. Improving production processes and introducing innovations in line with sustainability principles will contribute to the long-term development of publishing houses.

Keywords

       Sustainability, book publishing, eco-friendly materials, digital publishing, energy efficiency, environmental protection, waste reduction, recycled paper, social responsibility, innovative technologies

Introduction

Today, the global economy and industry are increasingly based on the principles of environmental sustainability. Sustainable development is a set of strategies aimed at conserving natural resources for future generations, protecting the environment, and ensuring social well-being. The book publishing industry is no exception to this process and is striving to increase its environmental responsibility. This is due to the fact that paper production and printing processes have a significant environmental impact. This article explores the concept of sustainability in book publishing, the emerging challenges, and the new opportunities in this field.

Main Body

Sustainability is a concept that integrates environmental, economic, and social spheres, aimed at the rational use of natural resources and the reduction of pollution. In the publishing industry, sustainability refers to processes based on the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction. Paper production involves deforestation, high water consumption, and the use of chemicals, all of which pose environmental threats. As a result, the demand for recycled paper and other eco-friendly materials is increasing.

There are several challenges in achieving environmental sustainability in publishing. Firstly, eco-friendly materials and new technologies are often more expensive than traditional methods. This can lead to an increase in product prices and a potential decrease in consumer demand. Secondly, recycled paper may not always match the quality of conventional paper. Additionally, both producers and consumers may lack sufficient environmental awareness.

However, innovative technologies and government policies play a crucial role in addressing these issues. For example, strengthening environmental protection laws, implementing eco-certification systems, and providing subsidies can encourage the production of sustainable products. At the same time, publishing companies should optimize their internal processes and adopt methods that conserve energy and water resources.

Today, the growth of e-books and digital publishing is reducing the demand for paper. Digital publications offer opportunities for sustainable development, but they also come with challenges such as energy consumption and electronic waste. Therefore, it is important to focus on hybrid models that combine digital and print publishing.

Demand for products manufactured in accordance with sustainability principles is growing. This provides publishing businesses with opportunities to access new markets and attract customers. Moreover, increasing social responsibility improves the company’s image and strengthens relationships with both employees and customers. Adhering to sustainability principles can enhance economic efficiency in the long term and ensure resource conservation.

Conclusion

Sustainability in book publishing is a pressing issue of our time. Publishing companies must address environmental challenges by implementing innovative technologies, using eco-friendly materials, and developing sustainable strategies in collaboration with government policies. Combining digital and print publishing opens up new opportunities.

Thus, sustainability becomes the foundation for the environmental, economic, and social health of the publishing industry.

In addition, by widely adopting sustainability principles, publishing houses can enhance their competitiveness on a global scale. Along with the positive impact on the environment, they can demonstrate social responsibility, thereby building trust among consumers and partners. Furthermore, the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sustainable production help reduce manufacturing costs in the long run. Therefore, supporting sustainability is an effective strategy not only from an environmental standpoint but also from business and social perspectives.

References

Smith, J. (2020). Sustainable Publishing Practices: Challenges and Innovations. Green Press Publishing.

Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2019). “Environmental Impact of Paper Production in the Publishing Industry,” Journal of Sustainable Development, 12(3), 45–60.

Williams, R. (2021). Eco-friendly Materials in Printing: A Practical Guide. EcoPrint Publications.

Davis, K. (2018). “The Role of Digital Publishing in Reducing Environmental Footprint,” International Journal of Digital Media, 8(2), 22–35.

United Nations. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations.

Green Publishing Alliance. (2022). Sustainability Report 2021. Retrieved from https://greenpublishingalliance.org/reports/2021

Thompson, H., & Garcia, S. (2020). “Economic Benefits of Sustainable Publishing,” Publishing Economics Review, 14(1), 10–25.

Nilufar Mo’ydinova was born in Qo‘shtepa district of Fergana region, Republic of Uzbekistan. She graduated from the Uzbek State University of World Languages. She currently works as a manager at the “Fair Print” Typography Service. Her articles have been published in the newspaper Bekajon.

A phantasmagoria including the past and present, visions, dreams, bits of reality, psychic seers and the sea, hairstyles, nature walks, talismans, seasons and wonder. When I was a kid I could see that spirit was announcing itself through the floor tiles, sometimes the wallpaper or clouds, and other things. The problem later, for a mystic that is,- is a liberal arts or even worse, science education, and growing up in general. This takes the ghosts away and then you fit in but fit into what?- to a mediocre and a blasé reality devoid of electric and eclectic realms. The spirits were there, are there, and not as a projection but rather a protection. Sometimes though, they themselves are lost souls as are we, and they are crying out for help or to at least be seen. There are such things, such strange mellow and sometimes startling phenomenon.

The diviner said that one of the people listening was wearing a whale necklace. And I was. And she said the letter B as an initial. This was true. This was me. And yet in another instance, she said also, about green iguanas and the country of Aruba, of the name ‘Brian,’ as she put it. This interested me and I resonated with it. I had just gotten back from Aruba and seen and photographed the green iguanas. Then I saw the whale design on the pet store floor also. I wondered if someone drew it or it was a marking by accident. It was in a way slightly vague that I just could not exactly tell. I wasn’t sure what it all meant but it meant something. 

I thought back to the past then. Working in the shelter I had to help a most beautiful woman from The Caspian Sea who was assigned to be a co-worker but was bullied by the other woman workers. It was because of her hair mostly. She had balayage hair and to her waist. It was real hair. And she was full of mystery and wonderful strange exotic eclectic auras and atmospheres. Then other women, especially during trainings when everyone had to sit together, whispered loudly and cruelly about her saying she didn’t belong there and that her hair was not real. She began to ask me long before trainings if I would get coffee with her when it was break. I realized it was not because she liked me in any even platonic or other way, but because it wasn’t too far off from being bullied in the school yard and she knew I’d be an ally. And to think, these people were assigned to helping and advocating for the marginalized. What a world we live in. She was hurt and overall sensitive. And amidst several regular souls trying to make their way, to navigate life, two known drug dealers were walking up the driveway one evening and one was really heavy-set. She said, ‘Here comes a whale,’ and it broke my idea of her as she now had a capacity for meanness. She had that capability somewhere inside her. I just kept it to myself. English was not her first language. But she managed the insult ‘well,’ though I didn’t like it. 

I kept listening to the canon of near-death experiences because I studied much in my spare time about spirituality, psychology, that whole realm of topics. It often said how people didn’t want to come back,- such was how it felt at home in heaven or the other side. That was hopeful for the sick, the terminally ill, for the ones who have passed and for all of us one day…when our time and circumstance of demise arrive…

I eventually left the world as much as I could and just walked the forests and by small streams of water. There I saw what I deemed to be spirits in the tree bark, cumulus clouds, or in swaying winter reeds cold and freezing. I felt them amidst spring raindrops where I waited solitary in the world for what I don’t know. Summer spirits everywhere too,- by sumac leaves and the abandoned tractor, in the flickering light through the tree canopy or the stones by the lee, the protective lee made of sand and dirt and root systems. Autumnal times had the most, HAVE the most,- spectres, phantoms, and angels. They live everywhere. Sometimes during those times an energy can be felt, like an electric surge in the air but one more akin to containing a spiritual sensibility. Maybe it was the kundalini energy, I would think. I had seen several snakes in the early days and wondered if they were an outward manifestation of the inward kundalini rising or having risen. 

It had been a long day. I lay down to sleep. I suddenly and finally saw the light, an other-worldly light,- golden and white mixed together. It was unmistakable. Then again, and a third time to be sure. I was growing spiritually after a lifetime of practice. I was grateful. I prayed to see it more. I did a bit. Then I must have fallen asleep and finally had good dreams again. I dreamt I was by the old shore and the saltwater sea. The one of my youth. It was overcast. Atlantic coastline. I was alone but felt so good about it. I glanced back at my building, then up and down the shoreline and finally out to the horizon. I felt the energy of the world, like in the forest but times a hundred or more, and it seemed it was another world,- an electric heaven. I could see distant verdant palm fronds dancing awkwardly for the pre-storm winds. I went in the water up to my neck and sometimes went intentionally under and let the ocean go a bit into my mouth and my eyes. That way it could enter my soul. I was unafraid. I was just unafraid of absolutely anything. I didn’t know if I was on earth or in heaven, experiencing this world or the next, immersed in a dream or kissed by providence and fortune and therefore there in real life. 

But I wasn’t lost anymore.

I was home. 

Contributor Abigail George would like to share a new project of hers: a blog called Mentally Sound that features articles, updates, a magazine, poetry, and uplifting music. In this day and age, so many things can affect our mental health. Please feel free to join the blog and blog about your own experiences or loving someone who has a mood disorder or an individual who is suffering from depression. Log in, blog, do read the posts and leave comments to inspire our growing community!

Now for this issue’s theme: Layers Upon Layers.

For we are all bound in stories, and as the years pile up they turn to stone, layer upon layer, building our lives. – Steven Erikson

This month’s contributions deal with the complexities of nature, history, culture, language, or even the psyche of a single person. Everything we choose or experience builds upon itself to make us who we are, even short-lived experiences.

Yucheng Tao’s poetry collection April No Longer Comes, published by Alien Buddha Press and reviewed by Cristina Deptula, explores moments of love and beauty that are wonderful and transient, like the season of spring. Sean Lee’s poems remind us that even fleeting moments can be meaningful and beautiful. Jian Yeo’s poetry touches on the pain and beauty we can find in mortality. Mykyta Ryzhykh contributes surreal images of life, death, and the cycle of modern existence. John Grey’s poetry explores comings and goings, presences and disappearances.

Yoonji Huh presents nature, family tenderness, and humor with a color scheme that looks historical and weathered. Gwil James Thomas speaks in several tough-minded pieces to memories and dreams and our sources of inspiration. Sean Lee’s artwork evokes the power of the imagination to illuminate daily life. Alina Lee’s poetry suggests that our pasts and futures comprise layers of each moment in which we find ourselves. JK Kim’s poetry looks at summer scenes with a calm nostalgia, after events have passed. Alexis Lee’s poems probe what we choose to value and remember, what we invest in and find beautiful. Olivia Koo probes the nature of memory, how multiple moments combine to craft a mental impression and feeling. Ah-Young Dana Park’s poetry comments on our changing memories and perspectives as time passes and we age. Chloe Park’s art revels in exquisite detail, probing culture and memory with intricacy. Sally Lee provides poetic snapshots of moments in time, considering whether they have meaning or value without context.

Seoyun Park’s visuals speak to how we observe and confront life, the dangers we face and those we pose. Ethan Lee’s poems remind us of the underside of our world: the everyday grotesque and the many layers of the ordinary. Irene Kim’s work explores the strain and melancholy that can permeate ordinary moments. Austin Chung’s poetry illustrates various kinds of disorder and dispersion as Taylor Dibbert vents his annoyance at the common problem of loud museum patrons. Lauren Kim stays with a single scene from everyday life for an entire poem, probing its layers. Haeun Regina Kim’s poetry examines ordinary objects and animals in depth, sharing details and language to create an off-kilter feel.

Brian Barbeito also explores deeply, focusing in on the flora and fauna of an Aruba resort. Debabarata Sen celebrates the verdant beauty of Costa Rica. David Sapp’s poetic speakers become waylaid by the arresting color and beauty of nature. Dylan Hong’s pieces present a gentle, abstract, even whimsical peek at nature. Grace Lee’s poetry crafts dreamlike, gentle, floating scenes. Terry Trowbridge’s pieces on peach harvests evoke the challenging economics and natural realities of farming. Mahbub Alam reminds us of the innate rough wildness of nature: storms, volcanoes, huge predators.

Jacques Fleury translates Dr. Jason Allen Paissant’s poem “Treeness,” about threats humankind poses to trees and the natural world, into Haitian Creole in a collaboration with Dr. Rachel Rome to provide music and poetry for the Boston Public Garden.

Sayani Mukherjee evokes the rhythm of a public piano played for big city pedestrians in a rainstorm. Eva Petropoulou Lianou waxes poetic about the beauty of the moon. Noriniso Kasimova shares memories of spring in her hometown and her father’s love. Chinese poet Su Yun collects a group of short poems from elementary school students, mostly impressions of natural scenes. Dhani M.’s artwork stylizes natural scenes to create emotional senses of calm, curiosity, and wonder. Jinwoo Brian Park’s art suggests that we can re-incorporate the old into the new, the natural into the artificial.

Mark Young contributes a fresh set of fanciful geographies. G. Emil Reutter humorously describes noisy construction’s impact on local residents. Erin Kim’s artwork explores the upsides and downsides of civilization’s technological progress. Katie Hong’s work critiques our isolation and obsession with technology as Xushnudbek Yakubov warns of the dangers of online misinformation. Sophie Yoon’s art critiques our complex relationship with consumption and the natural world. Eugene Han’s art explores who we are and where we’re going as humans, and our relationships with nature. Shabbona Abdurashidova highlights the importance of sustainable ecology in Uzbekistan. Jahin Claire Oh’s work speculates on how the world’s other creatures might see us: mimicking and learning from them, drifting into or penetrating their environments.

J.K. Durick speaks to new, wild, and real frontiers in modern nature and technology, commenting on our efforts to understand and control them. Pulkita Anand evokes the mental and physical disorientation brought on by the colonization of one’s land.

Ahmed Miqdad calls the world to action to help suffering civilians in Gaza. Patricia Doyne also calls the world’s attention to starvation in Gaza. Stephen Jarrell Williams speaks to the numbing, mindless destruction of war.

Poet Eva Petropoulou Lianou illuminates themes of patriotism and sacrifice in Algeria’s quest for independence in Turkia Loucif’s fantasy novel The Legend of a Squirrel. Yuldasheva Xadichaxon outlines themes of resilience and patriotism in Resat Nuri Guntekin’s novel The Clinging Bird.

Abdisattorova Xurshida highlights the contrasting legacies of Genghis Khan and Amir Temur. Abdisattorova Hurshida reflects on her admiration for Uzbek martial artist Abdulbosit Abdullayev. Maftuna Rustamova and Chorsanbiyeva Gulnoza poetize in honor of the military personnel who serve and guard Uzbekistan. Zumrad Sobirova celebrates the poetic beauty and pride of her Uzbek heritage. Jumaniyozova Nazokat encourages Uzbekistan’s young people to develop a greater appreciation for their heritage by visiting points of historical interest.

Nilufar Moydinova’s essay highlights language’s inextricable interconnection with thought, life, and culture. Mauro Montacchiesi creates a dialogue of philosophical thoughts and poetry between Dr. Jernail Singh and Rabindranath Tagore. Federico Wardal speaks to his long admiration for artist Andy Warhol and director and screen writer Federico Fellini. Orolova Dinora explores layers of meaning in Antoine St. Exupery’s The Little Prince as Surayyo Nosirova celebrates the heritage of Uzbek author Alexandr Faynberg.

Reagan Shin revels in the comfort and ecstasy and happy memories she finds in books. Mushtariybegim Ozodbekova highlights the power of books and stories to transcend time, culture, age, and space. Panoyeva Jasmina O’tkirovna highlights ways language teachers can help students develop fluency through relevant speaking and grammar practice. Turg’unov Jonpo’lat explores techniques to help children of all abilities to learn foreign languages. Nafosat Jovliyeva and Dilshoda Jurayeva illustrate gamification and other creative strategies for language learning. Rahimova Dilfuza Abdinabiyevna discusses ways to improve student competence with writing and speaking. Hilola Badriddinova outlines strategies used throughout the developed world to teach foreign languages.

Linda S. Gunther contributes a craft essay on “interviewing” your characters to better understand them as a writer. Paul Tristram’s poetry explores the heroic narratives we create through our writing and our lives. Gloria Ameh evokes the visceral sensations of writing on topics close to the bone.

Abigail George writes a stream of consciousness essay on her vulnerabilities from mental illness and just plain existing as a female-bodied person and how enduring them inspired her to write. Soumen Roy also connects beauty to vulnerability, speaking to the fading Mona Lisa and the union of joy and sorrow as fellow travelers.

J.J. Campbell reflects on disillusionment, loss, and the eternal quest, against all odds, for love. Mesfakus Salahin speaks evocatively of his quest for love and freedom. Baxtiniso Salimova’s poetry tells an epic love story. Mirta Liliana Ramirez relates intense grief at the loss of her lover. Dilnoza Islomova expresses her gratitude for her mother’s tender care. Bill Tope and Doug Hawley collaborate on a love story that turns unexpectedly tender. Urazaliyeva Sarvinoz shares an emotional tale of jealousy, love, and forgiveness between two twin sisters. Sarvinoz Orifova expresses gratitude for her parents’ constant love and care. Wazed Abdullah expresses his love and gratitude for his mother. Ozodbek Narzullayev expresses his love for his mother and invites her to share her life struggles with him for support. Xurshida Abdisattorova shares the story of a mother’s complicated grief for an imperfect husband and father who passes away in a sudden accident. Shoxrukh Fayzulla o’g’li Dusmatov speaks to his mother’s love and care and how wealth alone matters little without compassion and humanity.

To’raqulova Pokiza Sanjarovna speaks to the need for human compassion, wisdom, respect, and personal development. Hamza Kamar’s poetry expresses his powerful hopes for a transcendent hero. Bhagirath Chowdhary expresses his determination to avoid the next life until he has finished roaming this world, offering blessings to others. Charles Taylor’s short story probes our ethics and the extent of the compassion we owe our friends and fellow humans.

Julia Kanno reminds residents of the USA that most Latino immigrants are hardworking people with lives and dreams. Bill Tope presents a tale of a survivor’s search for justice for a sexual assault that shattered her psyche. Abdisattorova Khurshida presents a tale of thievery exposed.

Graciela Noemi Villaverde shares a poem on the joy of community and diversity and welcoming special education students. Haeun Regina Kim’s artwork explores unity and acceptance of others, as well as harmony among rural and urban areas. Nabijonova Madinabonu outlines how sharing coffee can help us build building friendship and community. Khudoyqulova Shahzoda highlights Uzbekistan’s programs to enhance economic opportunities for low income women and families and the disabled.

Nazarova Moxiniso looks into discipline and student character development as part of Uzbek preschool education. Ulsanam Ulmasovna outlines Amir Temur’s contributions to the Uzbek education system. Islomov Inomjon describes the Geoment, a device to teach mathematical reasoning to children with low or no vision.

Bozorboyeva Iroda offers encouragement for young people to find and follow their own dreams. Khudoykulova Shahzoda points out consequences of and solutions to youth unemployment.

Abdurayimov Faxriddin suggests strategies for teaching music practice and theory for children. Colombian philosopher and author Dr. Tayron Achury interviews Dr. Alexander Klujev, professor of musicology, about the increasing role of human personality and feeling in modern classical music.

Greg Gildersleeve’s pieces speculate on how small individuals can claim agency in a large world. Akramov G’ulomnazar’s poetry asserts his courage and resilience. Ashirova Dilrabo Ermatovna urges us to stay motivated and persevere towards our goals.

Various contributors celebrate notable people who should be better known, or highlight important research work. Sobirjonova Rayhona outlines the career and accomplishments of Uzbek woman mathematician and teacher Shodmonova Hilola. Eshmurodova Sevinch highlights the need for training for employees in Uzbekistan’s banking industry in digital technology to modernize industry. Muslima Olimova highlights strategies corporations have used to adapt to stay on top in a digital world. Jo’rayev Ulug’bek outlines engineering techniques for strengthening concrete structures. Mirzaolimov Mirabbos probes the medical relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Ostanaqulov Xojiakbar speculates on how to improve web search engine optimization to improve online communication and website findability. Orozboyeva Mohina Nuraliyevna outlines the role and history of psychology as practiced in Uzbekistan.

On a more psychological level, Duane Vorhees’ poetry covers and highlights human complexity: different aspects to our personalities, different choices we can make, how we can change with time. James Benger’s poetry explores the fear and tension underlying our individual existences, the danger from geologic pressure, storms, raw meat – and how we sometimes find hope to carry forward.

Andrew Ban shares restless, random thoughts, finding commonalities with all humanity while acknowledging the need to protect and defend himself if needed. Dongeon Kim’s work presents scenes of intense human and natural energy while Texas Fontanella revels in the pure sound of non-representational language. Dennis Daly wanders through a variety of human feelings, from nostalgia to frustration to faith. Michael Robinson shares his journey and heritage of faith, how he found a spiritual home and refuge in Christ and the church. Muhammad Sanusi Adam speaks to struggle, resilience, destiny, creation, and faith.

Gaurav Ojha seeks out meaning in a confusing and vast world, ultimately affirming everyone’s ability to find their own truths. We hope that reading this issue helps you to find a smidgen of truth for your own life.

Piano

The faint piano desk at my back

The church prayers of oblong hault

Numerous passengers thronged through

It came a virtuous glance

The rain smelled of Piccadilly

The London traffic, the Paris rainbow

All imbued on a harmonic tribe

I came and saw the victorious mansions

The fairy tale chiaroscuro of uncharted lamps

It is a place of folly of penmanship and a little trinket

I perched on the jammed trampoline

The loneliness ever growing on

As the peace was costlier than love.

Don’t Lie to Me, Mother

I know you wait for me with hope so bright,
You cry in silence deep into the night,
Just one request I ask with all my might —
Don’t hide your pain inside, my dearest mother,
Don’t say “I’m fine” and lie to me, dear mother.

No matter what — please tell me, let me share,
Let me be your healer, show I care,
Let me be the shield you always wear,
Don’t hide your pain inside, my dearest mother,
Don’t say “I’m fine” and lie to me, dear mother.

Without you, what would this world mean to me?
Without you, my days would empty be.
Tell me your sorrow — I beg you, set it free,
Don’t hide your pain inside, my dearest mother,
Don’t say “I’m fine” and lie to me, dear mother.

In every word, your kindness I can trace,
In every glance — deep love I still embrace,
To me, you’re life’s most sacred, tender grace,
Don’t hide your pain inside, my dearest mother,
Don’t say “I’m fine” and lie to me, dear mother.

When you smile, my heart is full of light,
When you tear, my soul weeps through the night,
Your son Ozodbek thinks of you each night,
Don’t hide your pain inside, my dearest mother,
Don’t say “I’m fine” and lie to me, dear mother.

Ozodbek Narzullayev was born on December 20, 2006, in the village of Bo‘ston, Koson district, Qashqadaryo region. His works have been published in several anthologies. He has participated in numerous creative competitions and has won top prizes. He is the author of the book titled “The Heart’s Emotions.”

Revolution 

We are holding out for a hero. With our forehead carved of multi versa wisdoms, 

Sent rowing on a boat designed for a destined night 

Stuck in a time lapse of revolutionary haibun 

With a soothing arctic cooling of illiteracy volcanic tears dripping on a night breast 

Calming flames of corruption 

Ascending on a house of cleaning the world dark stains

Said as he who calm anger with knowing, 

He who freezes the  magma flow of belittled burnt on nightmares 

He who spreads wisdom like wild fire. Wouldn’t sought barricades on a night songs face 

Hamza Kamar is a 16 years old Nigerian poet, painter, and Content Creator. currently studying at Legend International School. He is also member of Hill-top Creative Art Foundation (HCAF).