Photo shows a young Central Asian woman with straight dark hair in a bun, a white collared shirt and black coat.
To My Beloved Teacher
(Dedicated to my teacher, Rajabova Sadoqat)
This world is but a fleeting dream,
A moment’s spark, a passing gleam.
Yet in this life so swift, so small,
You shine — a blessing to us all.
You brought the light where shadows lay,
You lit our minds, you shaped our way.
O dearest teacher, gentle, wise,
May peace forever fill your skies.
You gave us more than words could say,
Your time, your care, your heart each day.
You left your home, your rest, your part —
To warm the world with your pure heart.
Your every word — a golden tone,
Your every glance — compassion shown.
Among all teachers, you stand apart,
With prayer and love in every heart.
No poet’s pen could quite define
The grace that in your eyes does shine.
Each day we feel your tender art —
Your kindness lives in every heart.
At your soft call, we run, we race,
To see your smile, your gentle face.
In every class, your spirit’s near,
Our hearts rejoice — we feel you here.
May God preserve your days and years,
Protect your path, erase your fears.
May joy and health forever stay,
And blessings light your every day.
A thousand thanks I raise to you,
For all you gave, for all you do.
May Heaven guard, with mercy deep,
The soul whose love we’ll always keep.
Rayhona Sobirjonova💞Sadoqat Rajabova
Sobirjonova Rayhona, a 11th-grade student of the 8th general secondary school in Vobkent district, Bukhara region. She was born in December 2008 in the village of Cho’rikalon, Vobkent district, in a family of intellectuals. Her parents supported her from a young age. She started writing in the 3rd grade. Her first creative poem was published in the newspaper “Vobkent Hayot”. She has also published extensively in Synchronized Chaos Magazine, India’s Namaste India Magazine, Gulkhan Magazine, Germany’s RavenCage Magazine and many other magazines and newspapers. She has actively participated in many competitions, won high places and won many prizes, and she is still busy creating.
Effective methods of learning English as a foreign language
Dildora Saidjonova, UzSWLU, English philology faculty Uzbekistan, Tashkent Email: saidjonovadildora882@gmail.com
Abstract: The increasing significance of English as a global language has intensified the demand for effective strategies in second language acquisition. This article explores the most efficient methods for learning English as a second language, emphasizing immersion, shadowing, and interactive learning. Through an analytical review of these approaches, the study highlights how each method supports the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while fostering cultural understanding and learner motivation.
The findings suggest that a combination of these methods creates a dynamic and learner-centered environment that enhances language proficiency more effectively than traditional approaches. Ultimately, the paper underscores the importance of adopting diverse and communicative learning techniques to achieve long-term fluency and confidence in English.
In today’s globalized world, English has become a dominant language of communication, education, science, and international business. As a result, the ability to use English effectively is increasingly recognized as a key factor for academic and professional advancement. However, mastering English as a second language (ESL) remains a complex process that requires effective learning methods according to learners’ needs, goals, and contexts. This article examines the most effective methods of learning English as a second language, focusing on innovative practices such as immersion, shadowing, and interactive learning.
Methods: According to several studies, the most effective methods for mastering the English language have been identified as immersion, shadowing and interactive exercises. The first way of learning English efficiently is immersion. Immersion emphasizes the importance of context and continuous exposure, often without relying on explicit instruction. In this setting, learners are encouraged to engage in real-world communication, allowing them to develop both receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) language skills in a more authentic and intuitive manner. The method mirrors the natural language acquisition process by facilitating learning in a dynamic, interactive environment.
This approach based on the idea that immersion accelerates language proficiency by reducing reliance on the learner’s native language and maximizing exposure to the second language in a meaningful context. Research has shown that immersion facilitates the development of fluency, vocabulary acquisition, cultural understanding and an overall deeper mastery of the language, often at a faster pace compared to conventional language-learning methods. Furthermore, it can creates a motivation-driven environment, where learners actively use the language in a variety of settings, improving both their linguistic and socio-pragmatic skills.
The “somber repetition” or “shadowing” method of language learning involve listening to a native speaker and immediately repeating what they say. This technique is very useful for improving pronunciation, intonation and fluidity in foreign language, such as English. The idea behind somber repetition is straightforward: an audience listens to an audio or video recording in the target language and attempts to mimic the words and phrases accurately as possible. This may be accomplished through podcasts, TED Talks or even songs. The goal is to actively strengthen linguistic skills and “immerse oneself” in the language.
How to do shadowing exercises:
Choose the material. Select recordings that are appropriate for your level. It could be podcasts, YouTube videos or shows and movies. Pay attention: Before you start repeating, listen to the recording once to understand the context and content. Repeat immediately: Start recording and repeat as soon as you can. Do not hesitate to pause if necessary to better grasp the phrases. Record your voice: To assess your progress, record yourself while repeating. This allow you to understand your mistakes and make corrections. Practice regularly: Dedicate time each day or week to practice.
Learning English by ear makes the process easier, even though we might not understand the meaning exactly. The shadowing technique should be broken down into five stages, according to its creator, A. Arguelles:
Imitation without intent. Listen to the tape without looking at the text and attempt to get its core. You must scroll through the same section as many times as necessary. Repeat whatever you can after the carrier.
Textual imitation. The second stage involves copying the native speaker’s speech while glancing at the translation. It is only translation.
Without any text in a foreign language. You cannot yet the constructs and grammar.
Replay in shadow mode. Repetition of the speaker’s voice with the text in front of him.
Elaboration. Read the sentence again and examine the pronunciation characteristics. Interactive learning emphasizes active participation, collaboration, and communication between learners and teacher. Unlike traditional teachers-centered methods, interactive learning encourage students to exchange ideas, solve problems, and use language in real communicative contexts. Interactive games and flashcards are well-known for being effective resources for improving vocabulary memory and motivating students. Some useful games like Quizlet and Kahoot! offer organized and interesting learning opportunities.
This approach aligns with Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory (1978), which states that knowledge is constructed through social interaction and collaborative dialogue. In an ESL classroom, students develop language competence not only through individual practice, but also through cooperation and negotiation of meaning with peers. In conclusion, mastering English requires the use of effective, engaging, and appropriate learning methods. Among the numerous strategies have proven to be particularly valuable in promoting linguistic competence and communicative confidence. Together, these methods create a comprehensive and balanced approach to language acquisition.
Therefore, educators and learners are encouraged to integrate these techniques into their study, as their combined application can significantly enhance both the effectiveness and enjoyment of learning English as a second language.
References:
https://www.oxfordinternationalenglish.com/effective-study-techniques-for-learning-english/ _Approaches_and_Methods_in_Language_Teaching__2nd_Edition__Cambridge_Language_Teaching_Library_ Жуманиязова F., & Умарова J. (2025). The role of immersion in acquiring a second foreign language. Объединяя студентов: международные исследования и сотрудничество между дисциплинами, 1(1), 333–335. извлечено от https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/btsircad/article/view/101312 Takahashi, S. (2015). Shadowing as a Technique for Improving English Pronunciation: A Case Study.
D. Shomahmudovaeffective methods for learning English as a second language https://www.grnjournal.us/index.php/STEM/article/download/7011/6781/12343
FEELING OUT OF SIGHT Versatile love in life Arrange feelings with emotions Raise your love for me State it, even when times are darkest How we suffer despite this And let me count the ways Before the sun rises Reasonably I have to make you mine And when you’re with me Joys that seem to boggle the mind Equal by its tears, and clear Sweet feelings of true love Has touched our lives, our souls forever.
Dr. Brajesh Kumar Gupta ‘Mewadev’, Banda (U.P. – India)
Dr. Brajesh Kumar Gupta, also known as “Mewadev,” has been recognized on several prestigious platforms for his contributions to literature and the arts. Notably, the state of Birland commemorated him with a special edition postage stamp. He is the recipient of the Presidency of the International Prize De Finibus Terrae (IV edition), awarded in memory of Maria Monteduro in Italy. Dr. Gupta has been honoured with an honorary Doctorate of Literature (Doctor Honoris Causa) by both The Institute of the European Roma Studies and Research into Crimes Against Humanity and International Law in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia, and the Brazil International Council CONIPA and ITMUT Institute.
In addition to his literary achievements, Dr. Gupta was awarded the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman in 2019, further solidifying his impact on regional and international platforms. Currently, he holds the position of the 3rd Secretary-General of the World Union of Poets, serving from December 30, 2017, through December 31, 2024. His role in this organization is pivotal, reflecting his commitment to advancing the global literary community.
Dr. Gupta is an accomplished author of eight books and the editor of twenty-seven volumes, showcasing his extensive contribution to literary scholarship. Beyond his literary pursuits, he serves as the principal of S.K. Mahavidyalaya, Jaitpur, Mahoba (U.P.), and resides in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India. For further engagement, he can be reached via his social media profiles at facebook.com/brajeshg1, or through email at dr.mewadevrain@gmail.com. His work and legacy are also featured on www.mewadev.com.
tethered to the whims and folly of the men who came before me.
Then they set me loose
and called me a free woman.
My mother taught me how to live in ignorance
to pretend my anklets were made of gold,
and the chime of their trailing chain
nothing but the sound of love.
For what else, if not love,
would ground a bird
whose wings ache
only to soar?
My mother
she is a time traveller
with no particular destination.
She carved time capsules
out of the living flesh of her daughters
and bid them stay in place
With muffled shrouds of her love.
Her daughters held her chains still.
She forgot her need to wander.
My mothers’ anklets were not made of surrender
My mothers mother
linked her daughters chains with memories
and the resonance of duty
She did not teach her ignorance.
For my mothers mother was a placid lake with deep burrows.
she buried calmly any hints of dissonance In the music of her anklets.
Her chains were long
Buried deep she thought them nonexistent
But my mothers chains They were shorter
Her generation was adorned with brighter lengths that shimmered
Lengthens and shortens at the whims
Of a man’s fickle heart
So they taught themselves the art of forgetting
My mother told me I was born with anklets
Gaudy beautiful things forged to sing the world into order
But here they lay unpolished
Their bells broken at birth
Their song stilled
Only their chains stretching at the whims of unchained monsters.
Calling Home
after all the years away
Mother calls from the deeps,
curled at the edge of that land’s healing cracks where now, the trees shed fruit with no prompting,
where Sister’s bloodied feet once painted love between the cloaking robes of monsters.
Where, beneath Mother’s watchful eyes, she spun over broken bones called Father.
She calls, she calls, says,“Come home, daughter.”
Home, to the taste of smoke on Grandmama’s soup,
the sweat that beads on her hilltop forehead, the smile that stains that craggy hard face when Father brings his broken laughs home.
Home
that belonged to a girl who saw monsters not beneath the bed but spinning past in Sister’s tear-soaked skin,
bloodied feet piercing the bones of Father’s love and care.
Home
that flows between nausea and nostalgia, the feel of stone and sand between toes.
Stone is stone and sand always sand but the sands of home, they hold the imprint of memory,
Of a 5-year-old palm pressed beneath the scorching red of a termite’s home, a 5-year-old tongue tasting what remains of the ancient one’s hold, learning the difference between concrete and clay.
Home smells of Mother’s miyan kuka, no fish or meat to wash the stickiness down,
only Mother’s voice carrying the dark away with tales of Bayajidda, Zulke, and Alhaji Imam in the light of a single candle on a bed in a mud house built on memories.
Memories of Brother, who once carried water for Mother on his back, the same way he hauled years of Father’s dreams to a country where faces stared at his melanin-spiked tone and learned to call it home.
To crank the heat up to 40, 45, inhale deeply when the new snow falls and try to remember when snow used to be red and winter was harmattan.
Now Brother plucks cherries from fruit stands, cherry that held no memory of sour hands or wild trees
Cherry that is too sweet, too soft, and smiles, swallows, and calls on Sister.
Sister who dances now on waves, where the sea salt sweeps the blood from her soles and seals into the wounds the broken bones of Father.
Her stamping feet screams over the waves and cover the thousand voices of Mother rising from the deeps,
the crags from that once crumbling pit at the edges of what used to be home for a cared soul who loved Mother.
Calling, Calling, Come home, daughter.
The Hive
I want to learn this world like a beloved book
Seek its every hidden crevice between the eyes of mother
The hands of daughter
Between a wife’s parted thighs that form the gateway to God’s greatest gift
I want to write this world into paper
Soak it in waters pulled from the hope that lives
In a first time mother
The hope that presses her hands against a swollen belly
Shares her body with alien life that could
take and take and take
swallow her whole and from her body to her mind
Take every inch every piece
drink it down and know
Know the meaning of love
And the love of meaning
Of knowing
Of letting go
Of your self
Of every part that makes you
Of becoming Maman amra
Matar Ahmad
Your being subsumed within the hive mind
That is wife Mother
I want to take the tears of daughter
Roll it within the black threads of duty
To create the blackest ink
That drips with expectations
I’ll call it Yar fari
Use it to draw this world to paper
Draw the blurring line that separates
Mother from daughter
That entrusts a child between frail arms
And calls it love
That cradles fear like newly found clay in a children’s playground
Rolls it between the fingers of an overeager child
And name it art
Lets it twist and fall in on itself
Try to mould its little wet handles into works of art
To make itself into art
Use Yar fari to paint art across the stained face of this world
Let daughter be daughter
Then sister
Before she subsumed into the hive
And become one with wife
With mother
I want to learn this funny world
That breaks before it ends you in all the wrong places
Chew it softly between clenched teeth
Like a
delicious soup spiced with maggots
Roll it under my tongue
Taste its fragrance
And spits it out
At your feet
And cook a better meal
To feed my cravings.
Habiba Malumfashi is a writer, podcaster, project manager and curator. She is the programs Officer and coordinator of the open arts development foundation, a creative hub for artists and writers in Kaduna. Her work revolves around womanhood, resilience and the inherent feminist ethos of northern Nigerian cultures. Her writings can be found on The Kalahari review, Beittle Paper, Ayamba Litcast among others.
