THE PLACE AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SHORT STORY IN TODAY’S LITERATURE 

Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute

Faculty of Philology and Social Sciences

1st year student

of the Uzbek language and literature

Bakhtiyorova Zakro Farkhod qizi

bakhtiyorovazakhro1@gmail.com

 Phone: (+998) 77 219 02 28

Abstract: The article analyzes the role and historical significance of the short story genre, one of the genres of fiction, in fiction today from a historical, literary and theoretical perspective. It sheds light on the formation and development of the short story genre, as well as its inextricable connection with religious, historical and educational sources. In particular, the role of the short story traditions in classical literature, including the work “Qissasi Rabguziy” in the development of the genre, is considered separately. The study substantiates the role of short stories in preserving historical memory, forming a moral and aesthetic ideal, and understanding national identity with the help of scientific evidence. It also analyzes the transformation of the short story genre in modern fiction, the processes of renewal in its compositional and methodological features.

Keywords: stories, historical, significance, contemporary fiction, spiritual nourishment, human qualities, linguistic theory, stories mentioned in the Holy Quran.

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, for lovers of fiction, each work has its own unique charm and unique harmony of meaning. Such works, with their aesthetic richness and spiritual maturity, gently touch the heartstrings of the reader, give them a good mood, make them laugh, inspire them, teach them to look at life in a new way, to be loving to those around them. At the same time, with their underlying meaning, they lead to moral perfection. Most of such masterpieces are written in the short story genre. When did the short story genre originally appear? Who were the first to create in this genre? What is the purpose of writing short stories? What spiritual nourishment can be obtained from the short stories being written today? To find answers to such questions, we need to look at history.

The historical significance of short stories and their place in the present day are very important for us. A number of stories are narrated in the work of Nasuriddin Rabguziy, “The Story of Rabguziy” and in the Holy Quran. This study serves to shed light on the moral ideas in these stories and to reveal their intended purpose. In addition, it also conducts research on the language of the work from a linguistic perspective.

REVIEW OF USED LITERATURE

 Over the past 5 years, especially in 2024-2025, the genre of the story has been actively studied in literary studies, new interpretations and methodological approaches are being developed. Azimov.A. cites the following information in his dissertation: Current Uzbek stories have been studied by many literary scholars. These include scientific studies such as S. Mamajonov’s “Uslub jilolari”, U. Normatov’s “Ufqlari nasrimiz”, A. Rasulov’s “Ardoqli adib”, H. Umurov’s “Kahramonning man’ami olam i epiclik” (The Spiritual World of the Hero and Epicism). The methodological basis of the work is theoretical works created on literary works, published works on the nature of the short story genre and the spiritual world of the creator. The work mainly uses descriptive analysis, and in some cases comparative analysis methods.

This scientific work examines the ideological and aesthetic assessment of contemporary Uzbek short stories, the study of the objective and subjective aspects of the characters in the stories, the portrayal of the characters’ psyche, the extent to which contemporary writers have been able to reflect life in a work of art, and the transformation of life’s conflicts from a social phenomenon into an artistic phenomenon based on contemporary Uzbek short stories.

Ulugbek Hamdam, in his article entitled “The Interpretation of Morality in the Poetics of the Story in Subconscious Experiences,” makes the following points: “When analyzing a work of art, we either do not see or cannot see the presence of the author’s personality along with the participating characters. In works of art, the image of the author is manifested in the style of narration, the language of the work, and the methods of depiction. In a word, the image of the author consists of his aesthetic perceptions, thinking, ideology, the objects depicted, and his vices, which are vividly expressed in the work.”

Annayev Davlat Ismatovich, a 1st-year master’s student in the field of literary studies and Uzbek literature at Termez State University, provides the following information in his article entitled “The uniqueness and genre composition of the work “Qissasi ar-Rabguziy”: The first writer in the history of Turkic literature to start creating stories from narratives and stories in prose was Nasuriddin Burhoniddin Rabguziy. Only the work “Qissasi Rabguziy” (1309-1310) has survived to us. The work was written by order of the Muslim Mongol bey Nasuriddin Toqboga. The book is written in Turkic, mainly in prose, with hymns, summaries of some stories, lyrical experiences and the final part in verse.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 It is known that the work “Qissasi Rab’guziy” is the first work in the genre of short stories written in prose. This work is very rich in spiritual terms, it covers a wide range of moral issues, and many stories mentioned in the Holy Quran are also given in this work, which both in history and today contribute to the education of the reader’s soul and the ability to control his soul, to distinguish between the lawful and the unlawful, and to reveal how bad envy is and that no human child can achieve salvation through it. The stories in the work, such as “Ibrahim alayhis-salamu wa Maa Namrud alayhil la’ana” about Abraham and the infidel king Namrud, “Ya’qub alayhis-salamu” about Jacob, who was an example of patience for all people, and “Yusuf Siddiq alayhis-salamu” about his son Joseph and his brothers who were always jealous of him, always serve as an example for us in terms of human qualities.

In addition, from the point of view of linguistics, a large part of this invaluable national heritage is attributed to V.V. Radlov, V. Thomsen, P.M. Melioransky, S.E. Malov, V.L. Kotvich, A. Fon, Gaben, G. Ramstedt, A.N. Kono

LIST OF REFERENCES USED:

1. Rabguziy, Nosuriddin Burhoniddin. “The Story of Rabguziy” (Editor N.A. Asilova; Foreword by E. Fozilov). K.I. – T.: Writer, 1999.-240p.: illustration)

Inv. In front of: Institute of Manuscripts named after H. Sulaymanov of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

2. Professor of Chirchik State Pedagogical University, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Ulugbek Hamdam: “Interpretation of morality in the poetics of the story in the subconscious experiences”, p. 23.

3. Jabborov E. Folklore: image and interpretation.-Karshi: Nasaf, 1999.

4. Hamdamov U. Loneliness.-Tashkent: Yangi asr avlod, 2019

5. Muhammadjon Xolbekov. Landscapes of 20th-century modern literature. A progressive interpretation of 20th-century modernist prose Source taken from www.kh-davron.uz. 2018.

6. Azimov.A. Dissertation for the degree of Master on the topic “Artistic features of modern Uzbek stories”. Andijan 2021. 5 pages.

The Restless Times

The world is moving through a restless time.
People—
instead of being friends—
have turned into each other’s fiercest enemies.

Day and night
obsessed with killing, violation, or harm
we chase one another in endless hostility

Yet, many stars still bloom in the dark—
but they are confined indoors.
They have no power to light the open sky.

Their glow dies quietly
imprisoned behind the threshold.

Meanwhile, the wicked roam the earth unchecked.
Beasts wear the sacred threads of saints
and make a mockery of virtue.

In this aggressive competition
more and more lives are erased.

We were meant to extend a hand of friendship—
yet like that old mariner,
we have all become ideal-less killers of the albatross.

So much murder, so much cruelty, so much human tyranny
that the eyes grow tired and close.
The inner world of thought begins to shrink.

How long do we even stay on this earth?!

And still—
so much of this?
Still?

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.

Once when he was in grade ten in 1990, his Bangla letter was selected as the best one from Deutsche Welle, Germany Radio that broadcast Bangla news for the Banglalee people. And he was given 50 Dutch Mark as his award. They would ask letters from the listeners to the news in Bangla and select one letter for the best one in every month.     

From 17 to 30 September, in 2018 he received a higher training in teaching English language in Kasetsart University of Thailand for secondary level students through a government order from education ministry. 

On 06 November 2015 he achieved Amjad Ali Mondal Medal for his contribution in education field by a development organization in the conference and felicitation function for the honorable personalities at Rajshahi College Auditorium. 

On 30 December 2017 from West Bengal in India he was declared a ‘Literary Charioteer’ in Bangobandhu Literary and World Bango Conference and they awarded him with a Gold Medal in their International Literary Conference and Prize Giving Ceremony.

In 2018, he achieved Prodipto Lirerary Award in Prodipto Literary Conference at Kesorhat, Rajshahi for poems in Bangla literature. He received honorary crest from the administration of Chapainawabganj District Literary Conference and Cultural Function in 2021 and 2022 consecutively. 

His poems have been published in many international online magazines such as Juntos Por las L Raven Cage Zine, and Area Felix.  His poems have been translated and published in Argentine and Serbian, and he participated in many international online cultural meetings. 

Education — The Foundation of Societal Progress

Education is one of the most important factors in a person’s life. It not only provides knowledge but also shapes the individual, defining their worldview and approach to life. The level of education in a society directly reflects its degree of development. Where there are educated people, progress occurs, ideas flourish, and solutions to problems are found.

Today, the field of education is no longer limited to traditional methods. Modern approaches, technologies, and interactive methods have become an integral part of the learning process. Students are no longer mere listeners; they actively engage in acquiring knowledge. This fosters independent thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to draw conclusions.

The main purpose of education is not simply to provide information. Its most important goal is to nurture responsible and conscious individuals who can find their place in life. Knowledge gained today may become outdated tomorrow, but a person who knows how to think can adapt to any circumstance. Therefore, special attention must be given to developing logical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills within the educational process.

In this process, the teacher’s role is invaluable. A teacher is not just a professional delivering lessons but also a guide, mentor, and motivator. Their attitude, patience, and approach significantly influence the student’s future. For this reason, a teacher must continuously work on themselves, update their knowledge, and stay in sync with the times.

The development of information technologies has made education more accessible and open. Online classes, electronic resources, and digital platforms have expanded opportunities for learning. Education is no longer limited by space or time. However, proper use of technology is essential, as it should serve as a supportive tool while the primary goal remains human development.

Education and upbringing are inseparable concepts. Alongside knowledge, human values, respect, responsibility, and patriotism must also be cultivated. Otherwise, a knowledgeable but unprincipled person will not benefit society. Therefore, the educational process should be enriched not only with lessons but also through real-life examples and a positive environment.

Overall, education is the most important investment in the future. It brings a person to maturity, elevates society, and paves the way for progress. The more attention is given to education, the brighter the future will be.

Ismoilova Jasmina Shavkatjon qizi was born on May 2, 2009, in Navoiy Region. She is currently studying in the 10th grade at School No. 20 in Qiziltepa District, Navoiy Region. Throughout her education, she has actively participated in the curriculum and demonstrated outstanding achievements in various fields.

In December 2025, she received a “B+” certificate in the subject of Uzbek Language and Literature.

In August 2025, she was awarded the title of “Best Reader.”

In the same year, she earned more than 50 international certificates.

Her creative work has been indexed on Google.

She served as the leader of the “Girls’ Academy” in the “Children’s Movement Leaders Election” and received the “One-Star Trust Badge.”

She has consistently won 1st and 3rd places in various essay competitions.

She holds a membership certificate for volunteering from the “Golden Wing” team.

She is also a member of the Argentine Association of Science and Literature Writers.

Her journey, begun with enthusiasm and passion, has led to numerous achievements. In the future, she aspires to receive the “Zulfiya State Award” and continues to work diligently toward that goal.

Student of Fergana State University

Faculty of Foreign Philology

Major in Foreign Language and Literature (English)

2nd-year student

OLIGOFREN CHILDREN: PSYCHIC DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES

Annotation: This article provides a scientific analysis of the concept of oligofrenic children, their cognitive development characteristics, and the challenges encountered in the education and upbringing process. The study examines cognitive activity, thinking, memory, attention, and speech delays in oligofrenic children, as well as the special pedagogical methods used in their teaching and upbringing. Methodologically, the article is based on theoretical analysis, observation, and comparison. The results indicate that early identification of oligofrenic children and the implementation of individualized programs and specialized approaches effectively promote their development and social adaptation.

Keywords: oligofrenic children, special pedagogy, psychology, oligophrenopedagogy, cognitive development, correctional lessons, pedagogical methods.

Introduction: In modern society, the socio-economic development of a country places new and responsible demands on the education system. In particular, identifying children with intellectual disabilities and organizing effective educational and upbringing processes for them is one of the pressing issues. Failure to adequately consider the psychological and individual characteristics of oligofrenic children during instruction reduces educational effectiveness and prevents children from fully realizing their potential. Practical experience shows that many oligofrenic children are forced to study in general education institutions, which creates additional difficulties in their cognitive activity. Insufficient use of special pedagogical approaches and the lack of individualized educational programs exacerbate the problem, leading to decreased interest in learning and slower social adaptation.

Proper inclusion of oligofrenic children in educational processes is not only pedagogically but also socially important. Scientific, systematic, and goal-oriented approaches are necessary to prepare them for independent life and societal integration. Therefore, it is crucial to study the cognitive development characteristics of oligofrenic children, identify challenges in education, and develop solutions. This article examines the concept of oligofrenic children, their levels of intellectual development, psychological characteristics, and educational challenges from a scientific perspective.

Methodology: The study used theoretical and practical research methods to explore issues related to oligofrenic children, based on scientific perspectives from special pedagogy, psychology, and oligophrenopedagogy. The analysis of scientific and pedagogical literature was employed to examine the concept of oligofrenia, its causes, levels of cognitive development, and psychological characteristics of oligofrenic children. Comparative analysis and generalization of sources were used to draw key conclusions. Observational methods were applied to identify difficulties in cognitive activity, speech, behavior, and learning. Data were analyzed using synthesis methods to ensure scientific validity. Pedagogical approaches were also assessed to evaluate their effectiveness in teaching and upbringing oligofrenic children. This methodology ensured achievement of research objectives, scientific substantiation of the topic, and practical conclusions.

Discussion and Results: Theoretical analysis and pedagogical observations indicate that the unique characteristics of cognitive development in oligofrenic children require special approaches in the educational process. Cognitive processes—thinking, memory, attention, and speech—develop slowly, making it difficult to assimilate learning materials. Therefore, traditional teaching methods alone do not yield sufficient results and may cause excessive stress and discouragement. Visual aids, repetition, and activity-rich lessons demonstrate high effectiveness. Individualized lessons increase students’ engagement, strengthen self-confidence, and positively influence social adaptation.

Early identification and referral to specialized educational institutions significantly enhance educational effectiveness. Special methods, including individualized programs, correctional lessons, labor activities, and daily life skill tasks, play a crucial role in developing independent functioning. Additionally, teachers’ knowledge, preparation, and empathetic approach directly impact the social and psychological development of children. Family and social support further contribute to personal development, facilitate social integration, and enhance self-awareness.

Conclusion: Research and analysis confirm that scientific, systematic, and individualized approaches are essential in working with oligofrenic children. Cognitive delays in thinking, memory, attention, and speech determine challenges in education. Specialized pedagogical methods—visualization, practical activities, repetition, individual approaches, and labor-based tasks—ensure high effectiveness. These methods enhance engagement, independent functioning, and social adaptation. Teacher expertise, family support, and societal conditions directly influence children’s development. Early identification, referral to special educational institutions, and individualized programs maximize developmental potential. Applying scientifically-based, individualized pedagogical methodologies not only improves educational outcomes but also ensures social adaptation and preparation for independent life. Continued research and development of effective methods in special pedagogy remain critical both scientifically and socially.

References:

V.S. Rakhmonova. Fundamentals of Defectology and Speech Therapy. Tashkent, 1991.

S.Sh. Aytmetova. Oligophrenopedagogy. Tashkent, 1996.

C.Sh. Aytmetova. Psychological Development Characteristics of Students in Auxiliary Schools. Tashkent, “Teacher”, 1984.

Sh.B. Akhmedov. Methodology for Teaching and Educating Oligofrenic Children. Tashkent: Teacher, 2018.

T.M. Boboev. Special Pedagogy and Corrective Education. Tashkent: Fan, 2020.

A.R. Karimov. Oligofrenia and Intellectual Development Disorders. Tashkent: Ilm, 2019.

Bradbury Among Us: Why a Great Science Fiction Writer Understood Our Future Better Than We Do

Tradition and Algorithms

Recently, while watching my robot vacuum cleaner, I found myself thinking about our mahallas, where residents rise early in the morning and sweep their courtyards and streets with a broom. Here, cleanliness is not merely the absence of dust — it is a sign of respect for neighbors and a readiness to open one’s gates to a guest at any moment.

At home, meanwhile, my robot vacuum was stubbornly trying to “negotiate” with a chair leg. In that moment, I caught myself thinking that I had read about something like this before.

I took an old volume of Ray Bradbury from the shelf and was struck: he had looked straight into our present world — with all its gadgets and, more importantly, with our loneliness among them.

Smart Homes and Empty Rooms

In his famous short story There Will Come Soft Rains, Bradbury described a house that prepares breakfast, cleans up, and reminds its owners of their daily tasks. In the 1950s, this seemed like pure fantasy. Today, we refer to it as a “smart home” and control it from our smartphones.

But Bradbury looked deeper. Technology may be flawless, yet it remains only a set of microchips. Surrounded by sensors and voice assistants, we often forget that comfort is created not by automatic curtains but by the people who live behind them.

In Uzbekistan, a home has always been a place where the guest, not the interior, stands at the center. Bradbury’s “smart house” is functional, but it lacks baraka — the blessing that comes from living conversation over a cup of tea.

Artificial Intelligence: A Friend or an Imitation?

Bradbury often wrote about robots replacing loved ones. Today, we discuss chatbots capable of holding conversations as well as an old friend. It seems convenient.

Yet the writer warned us: by replacing living communication with a perfect algorithm, we risk forgetting how to understand real, “imperfect” people. His stories remind us that no program can replace the warmth of human sincerity.

Teahouse Versus Algorithm

In Fahrenheit 451, a mechanical hound hunts those who think differently. It is unsettlingly similar to modern social media algorithms that decide what we see and what we do not, creating an invisible digital cage.

Bradbury feared the isolation of people in their “seashells” — their headphones. He foresaw a world in which people would be locked inside digital cocoons.

In Uzbekistan, the tradition of the teahouse is still alive — a place where news is learned not from an algorithmic feed but from living conversation. Watching elders and young people spend hours in unhurried discussion over hot tea, one realizes that this is the antidote to the mechanical hound Bradbury imagined. Here, the algorithm is powerless before a sincere “Assalomu alaykum.”

AI Art and Traditional Craft

A neural network can generate a portrait in seconds, yet it lacks the soul that a master from Rishtan puts into every ornament on a ceramic plate.

Bradbury taught us to value imperfection, because within it — like in hand-embroidered suzani — lies the uniqueness of human destiny.

A machine can imitate style.
But it cannot live a life.

The Human Being as the Main Instrument

Ray Bradbury did not seek to frighten us. He urged us not to lose our heads in excitement over new technologies. His books are not merely science fiction; they are, in a sense, a manual for living in the future.

He teaches us the essential lesson: in a world of endless code and perfect machines, we must remain human — vulnerable, mistaken, alive.

Robots, artificial intelligence, and digital systems are all creations of human hands. Therefore, it is up to us to guide technology and to build a real world of lived experience.

For us in Uzbekistan, Bradbury’s challenge sounds especially urgent: how to build IT parks and implement artificial intelligence without losing the warmth of neighborly support and the value of a large family. We must make technology a tool for strengthening our bonds — not a wall dividing us.

References

1. Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Ballantine Books, 1953.

2. Bradbury, Ray. “There Will Come Soft Rains.” In The Martian Chronicles. New York: Doubleday, 1950.

Professional Biography:
Azimov Mirsaid is a dedicated programmer with a strong passion for robotics and intelligent systems. He enjoys building efficient, practical solutions that connect software with real-world applications. His work is driven by analytical thinking, creativity, and a constant desire to improve.

He is particularly interested in projects that combine hardware and software — from embedded systems to interactive technologies. He enjoys exploring how logic, automation, and design can work together to create meaningful and innovative solutions.

He approaches challenges with focus, discipline, and a strategic mindset. Continuous learning is important to him, and he is always working toward becoming a stronger developer and a future robotics engineer.

ONE MORNING

One morning, quite suddenly

Someone will announce to me

that the water carried away my crib

winds swept away my park

The rain washed away my tracks

One morning, somebody would tell me

that my memories are covered with white

Someone will tell me

Someone third in me

that I lost myself

one morning

It will ask what happened to the boys

And why not their rate on Starry sky

And where is the sky

This will be a great morning if I wake up