Essay from Satimboyeva Risolat

Central Asian woman, young, with dark hair in a bun, hoop earrings, and a tan coat, holding a book.

THE IMPORTANCE OF READING CULTURE

Annotation

This article discusses the role of reading culture in the development of society and the individual. It highlights the importance of reading in expanding thinking, enriching one’s spiritual world, and increasing knowledge and cultural awareness from both scientific and social perspectives. The necessity of promoting reading among young people and its positive effects are also emphasized.

Introduction

The book is one of the most important sources of human civilization and contributes greatly to the intellectual and spiritual development of society. In today’s era of globalization, when the flow of information is rapidly increasing, forming and strengthening a reading culture has become even more essential. Reading enriches human intellect, develops independent thinking, broadens perspectives, and helps individuals become intellectually mature. Therefore, the development of reading culture is one of the key factors in raising the overall cultural level of society.

Main Part

1. The Essence of Reading Culture

Reading culture encompasses respect for books, the need for reading, the ability to choose the right literature, analyze the text, and draw practical conclusions from what has been read. Societies with a strong reading culture demonstrate high levels of knowledge, enlightenment, intellectual development, and critical thinking.

2. The Impact of Reading on Personal Development

Mental development: Reading strengthens brain activity, improves memory, and enhances thinking skills.
Language growth: A person who reads regularly gains a richer vocabulary and develops the ability to express thoughts clearly.
Spiritual enrichment: Literary works shape moral values, expand spiritual understanding, and strengthen ethical qualities.
Creativity: Reading enhances imagination and develops creative thinking.

3. The Impact of Reading Culture on Societal Development

In countries with a high level of reading culture, science and technology develop rapidly, competitiveness increases, and an enlightened generation emerges. Societies where people read actively tend to have higher levels of literacy, culture, respect for the law, and social engagement.

4. The Relevance of Promoting Reading Among Youth

Today, spending excessive time on smartphones and social media has weakened the habit of reading among young people. Therefore, promoting reading through educational institutions, families, and society, as well as strengthening library activities, is extremely important. Young people who develop a love for books grow into knowledgeable, morally mature, and thoughtful individuals.

5. Ways to Improve Reading Culture

Encouraging interest in books within the family

Organizing reading weeks in schools and universities

Modernizing the activities of libraries

Expanding the use of electronic books and audiobooks

Conclusion

Reading culture is one of the most essential factors for the intellectual and spiritual development of society. Reading broadens a person’s thinking, enriches their worldview, and shapes their approach to life. Moreover, societies with a high level of reading demonstrate strong cultural, scientific, and developmental capacity. Therefore, every individual, especially young people, must strengthen their need for reading and make books an integral part of their everyday life.

References

1. Abdulla Avloniy – Turkiy Guliston yoxud Axloq

2. Speeches of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and materials on spirituality

3. Reading Culture and Its Role in Social Development – collection of scientific articles

4. Abdulla Qodiriy – O‘tkan kunlar, a source of national literature and spirituality

5. Modern textbooks on pedagogy and spiritual studies

I am Satimboyeva Risolat Ilhomboy qizi. I was born on 16 February 2007 in Hazorasp district of Khorezm region. I am currently a first-year student at the Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies in Tashkent city. I studied at School No. 12 in Hazorasp district of Khorezm region and participated in numerous academic olympiads, winning honorable 1st and 2nd places.

I hold several international certificates in Russian and Turkish languages. I have also worked as a tutor, teaching students Russian, and I can speak both Russian and Turkish fluently. During my school years, I actively took part in reading competitions and was repeatedly awarded certificates in the “Best Reader” and “ exemplary student” nominations.

I participated in intellectual competitions such as “Zakovat,” advancing to the regional level. My photos were displayed at school as one of the most exemplary young readers and role-model students. I am the holder of many certificates and also frequently participates in literary anthologies. In my free time, I write poems and continue doing so; one of my books has already been published.

Reaching this level at the age of 18 is largely due to the support of my parents and grandmother, whose encouragement has played a significant role in my achievements.

Essay from Suyarova Gulsanam

Semantic analysis of the use of gerund and infinitive

Suyarova Gulsanam Sherzod qizi
Student of CSPU Department English language and theory
The group of 22/5
suyarovagulsanam6@gmail.com


Annotation
In this article, the features of using the tense forms of the to-infinitive and the gerund, the verbs after which one of them is used, as well as the verbs that can be followed by both the infinitive and the gerund, and their semantic differences are analyzed.
Key words: verbs, infinitive, gerund, features


Annotatsiya
Ushbu maqolada to-infinitive va gerundning zamon shakllarini qo‘llash xususiyatlari, ayrim fe’llardan keyin ulardan qaysi biri ishlatilishi, shuningdek, o’zidan keyin ham infinitive, ham gerund talab qiladigan fe’llar hamda ularning ma’nodagi farqlari tahlil qilinadi.
Kalit so’zlar: fe’llar, infinitiv, gerundiy, xususiyatlar
Аннотация
В данной статье анализируются особенности употребления временных форм инфинитива с частицей to и герундия, глаголы, после которых используется один из них, а также глаголы, после которых могут употребляться как инфинитив, так и герундий, и различия в их значении.
Ключевые слова: особенности, глаголы, инфинитив, герундий.

In the grammatical system of the English language, verb forms hold a particularly significant position. A verb not only conveys an action or a state but also functions as the central grammatical element of the sentence. Categories such as tense, person, number, and continuity of action are expressed through verbs. Therefore, the accurate use of verbs is vital for learners.
In English, verbs have various non-finite forms such as the infinitive, gerund, and participle. These forms enrich speech by adding semantic nuances such as cause, result, condition, or continuity. In Uzbek, non-finite verb forms correspond to verbal nouns and also possess their own tense distinctions.

The Tense Forms of the Gerund
1.Simple Gerund (V+ing): expresses a present or general action. Example: She advised going to the party yesterday.

  1. Perfect Gerund (having + past participle): denotes an action completed before another. Example: Can you remember writing a letter to me for the first time?

The Tense Forms of the Infinitive

  1. Simple Infinitive (to + verb): action simultaneous with or following the main verb. Example: It seems to rain.
  2. Continuous Infinitive (to be + V-ing): expresses an ongoing action at the same time as the main verb. Example: My brother pretended to be listening to music.
  3. Perfect Infinitive (to have + past participle): action occurring before the main verb. Example: He refused to have stolen the money.
  4. Perfect Continuous Infinitive (to have been + V-ing): continuous action prior to the main verb. Example: She seems to have been learning English for two years. Verb Usage
  • Infinitive is used to express purpose, after adjectives (happy, eager), after nouns/pronouns (something, someone), after too/enough, and in structures like it + be + adjective. Example: I always do my homework to achieve good results.
  • Gerund functions as a noun, is used after certain verbs (enjoy, avoid, consider), after expressions (be busy, can’t help, have difficulty), and after prepositions. Example: Reading is useful for us.

  • Change of Meaning with Gerund and Infinitive
    Some verbs allow both forms but change meaning depending on which is used:
  • Remember: remember to do = not forget / remember doing = recall
  • Stop: stop to do = pause for another action / stop doing = quit
  • Try: try to do = attempt / try doing = experiment
  • Regret: regret to do = be sorry / regret doing = feel sorry about
  • Mean: mean to do = intend / mean doing = involve
  • Forget: forget to do = not remember / forget doing = not recall

  • The correct use of gerund and infinitive is essential for learners of English. These forms influence not only grammatical accuracy but also the semantic content of speech. A clear understanding of their forms, functions, and meaning differences allows learners to express themselves more fluently and precisely.
    The main difference between gerunds and to-infinitives in terms of temporal meaning lies in the fact that the gerund generally expresses the action as a process or a factual event, while the to-infinitive conveys purpose, intention, or result. Perfect forms highlight actions that have already occurred, whereas passive forms indicate actions performed upon the subject or actions that are required to be performed.
    Consequently, the correct use of gerund and to-infinitive forms is a crucial means of accurately expressing temporal meanings in English.

References

  1. Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., & Svartvik, J. A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman, 1985.
  2. Murphy, R. English Grammar in Use. Cambridge University Press, 2019.
  3. Huddleston, R., & Pullum, G. K. The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
  4. Eastwood, J. Oxford Guide to English Grammar. Oxford University Press, 1994.
  5. Swan, M. Practical English Usage. Oxford University Press, 2005.

Poetry from Patrick Sweeney

‘Mesopotamia’

the histories I had to unlearn

     *

nothing in the way of thunder at sea

     *

scapulars worn on both sides

     *

he wondered if she kept the picture of him

shaking hands with an octopus

     *

encyclicals of yellow falling leaves

     *

somehow he missed seeing the preserved right index finger of Saint Teresa

     *

counting jimmy-legs in the waiting room

     *

sad sagging man-boobs of the subway shooter

     *

he’s philosophically aligned with the quotes on herbal tea bags

     *

a folded dishrag above his dogmatically clean sink

     *

auditing the billowing clouds

     *

even in a place of no escape

there are analog leaks of light

     *

the boy in the last row

says he always stares at the sun

     *

an hour after the eclipse

the whole moon to myself

     *

it’s like an urgent announcement I can’t quite hear

     *

Essay from Iroda Sobirova

Young Central Asian woman with long dark straight hair and a black dress with white spots and a white collar, purple background.

Tashkent University of Humanitarian
Sciences 2nd-year student
Sobirova Iroda Аbdulaziz qizi

Innovative Directions for Entrepreneurship Development: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Strategies


Abstract
The article reveals the essence and significance of innovative entrepreneurship as a key factor in economic development. It analyzes the main innovative directions for the development of entrepreneurship, including digitalization, technological, and social innovations. Based on the mechanisms of state support for the innovative activity of small and medium-sized businesses and world experience (for example, Japan), proposals and recommendations have been developed.
Keywords: Innovative Entrepreneurship, Digital Economy, Product Innovation, Technological Innovation, Social Innovation, Venture Capital, Technoparks.


Introduction
In the transition to an innovative path of economic development, entrepreneurship, especially small business, plays a crucial role. Success in modern market conditions is not limited to effective management of existing resources, but also requires the search for new ideas and their implementation in practice (innovative activity) (Source 1.1). The objective of the article is to scientifically and theoretically substantiate the innovative directions for entrepreneurship development and to propose effective strategies for their implementation.


Essence and Types of Innovative Entrepreneurship
One of the main tasks of entrepreneurship is creativity and the pursuit of creating new products (services) (Source 1.1). Innovative entrepreneurship is the initiative that introduces new products to the market, implements new production technologies, or brings in new forms of business organization.


There are three main types of innovative entrepreneurship, aimed at different goals (Source 2.3):
Product Innovations: Renewal of the company’s sales potential, expansion of market share, and creation of new jobs.
Technology Innovations: Saving energy and raw materials, increasing labor productivity, and renewing production capacity.
Social Innovations: Improving the social environment of the enterprise, mobilizing employees towards a common goal, and enhancing the organization’s reputation.


Priority Innovative Directions for Entrepreneurship Development
The main directions for the development of modern entrepreneurship include:


Digital Technologies and Digitalization
In the context of the digital economy, creating a favorable business environment for the development of innovative entrepreneurship is highly relevant. This includes the application of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud technologies, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into business processes. Digitalization also enables the development of remote work forms, which serves to increase work efficiency (Sources 1.5, 1.6).


Innovative Development of Education and Human Resources Potential
Modern approaches to preparing for entrepreneurial activity, especially the use of business simulation programs (training for the future), are important. This helps young people gain interest and practical skills for starting their own business. The government’s intention to integrate entrepreneurship holistically into the entire education system also indicates the priority of this direction (Sources 1.3, 2.5).


Institutional Support and Infrastructure
The role of the state in regulating and stimulating the development of innovative entrepreneurial activity is significant. Key directions include:
Developing the venture capital market.
Establishing technoparks, innovation centers, and clusters (Sources 2.1, 2.4).
Improving the system of tax incentives for entrepreneurs engaged in innovative activities (Source 1.5).


Conclusion and Recommendations
The innovative development of entrepreneurship is a prerequisite for ensuring the country’s economic progress. This process should primarily be aimed at the commercialization of new ideas and increasing the innovative activity of small businesses.


Practical Recommendations
Expanding Innovative Infrastructure: It is advisable to increase the number of innovation centers in the regions and support local industrial enterprises involved in technological innovations (Source 2.6).
Stimulating Demand for Innovations: Ensuring a comprehensive system for the creation of new types of products and innovative technologies from the idea stage to the final consumer.
Implementing Foreign Experience: Deeply studying and implementing the experience of developed countries, such as Japan, in developing regional innovative entrepreneurship (technopolises, research centers) (Source 2.7).


List of References (Bibliography)
Textbooks, Monographs, and Publications
Schumpeter, J. A. (2007). The Theory of Economic Development: An Inquiry into Profits, Capital, Credit, Interest, and the Business Cycle. Moscow: Eksmo. (For the theoretical foundations of innovative entrepreneurship).
Freeman, C. (2011). The Economics of Industrial Innovation. Moscow: Infra-M. (To cover the impact of technological innovation on the economy).
Porter, M. E. (2011). Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors. Moscow: Alpina Publisher. (For analyzing competition and innovative advantage).
Scientific Articles and Journals
Kadirov, A. Z. (2020). The role of innovations in the development of small business and private entrepreneurship. Iqtisodiyot va innovatsion texnologiyalar (Economics and Innovative Technologies), (1), 240–255. (To include local experience).
Nabiev, N. N. (2021). Directions for the development of innovative entrepreneurial activity in the conditions of the digital economy. Moliya va bank ishi (Finance and Banking), (3), 78–85. (To cover the digitalization direction).
Saidov, M. A. (2019). Mechanisms for increasing the innovative activity of business entities. Bozor, pul va kredit (Market, Money, and Credit), (6), 55–63.
Statistical Compilations, Reports, and Internet Sources
Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. PF-60 of January 28, 2022, “On the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026”. National Database of Legislation. (To substantiate state strategic directions).
OECD. (2021). Entrepreneurship at a Glance 2021. Paris: OECD Publishing. (For international experience and statistical data).
World Bank. (2020). Digital Economy for Development (DE4D) Project Report. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. (To analyze the impact of digital technologies).
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). Global Innovation Index 2023 Report. Geneva: WIPO. (To include global innovation ranking data).

Poetry from Sara Hunt-Flores

Ars poetica in Shots

A poem begins where the mouth hesitates. 

When words betray you,

and tears are not enough. It’s the corner of the world that listens back,

no need to shout or make yourself be understood. 

It’s the music of the heart and the rhythm of the mind.

The way it takes the feelings deeply rooted and how it shows a sliver of yourself. What if you don’t?

What if you think poetry doesn’t listen back, isn’t born on the page,

not enough to save you, 

not there, not real.

What better way to bottle everything up, and never write.

Poetry is a gift few save, some find and none forget.

Essay from Abulqosimova Bahora

Peculiar Features of the Phonetic System of the Uzbek Language
Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute
Faculty of Philology and Social Sciences
Department of Uzbek Language and Literature, Group 25_04
Student: Abulqosimova Bahora


Abstract:
This scientific article analyzes the peculiar features of the phonetic system of the Uzbek language. The study investigates the pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their changes in phonetic processes, and their roles in word formation. Additionally, phonetic phenomena such as stress, intonation, and assimilation are highlighted as factors influencing semantic distinctions in the language. The article also examines phonetic changes that have occurred throughout the historical development of the Uzbek language and their reflections in dialectal variations. The research findings hold theoretical and practical significance for ongoing studies in the fields of phonetics and phonology.


Keywords:
Phonetics, phonology, vowel sounds, consonant sounds, stress, intonation, assimilation, pronunciation, phonetic system.
Introduction:
Language is the most important social phenomenon of humanity and serves as the primary tool of communication among people. The formation and development of any language are primarily manifested through its phonetic system, as speech sounds constitute the fundamental material of language structure. Phonetic units are directly related to all levels of language — lexical, grammatical, and morphological — and play a crucial role in accurately conveying meaning.


The Uzbek language belongs to the Turkic language family and possesses a phonetic system characterized by complex phenomena and unique features formed over its historical development. The pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their changes in phonetic processes, and their functions in word formation are key criteria defining the national characteristics of the language. In particular, features such as vowel length, consonant voicing and devoicing, as well as processes like assimilation, dissimilation, stress, and intonation, have a unique realization in Uzbek.


This article provides a detailed analysis of the peculiarities of the Uzbek phonetic system, the role of vowels and consonants in phonetic processes, and the differences found in dialectal variations. Furthermore, it examines how phonetic phenomena affect meaning distinctions and phonetic changes over the course of historical development, based on scientific sources. The research results are theoretically and practically significant for modern studies in phonetics and phonology.


Literature Review:
Several prominent scholars have made significant contributions to the study of the Uzbek phonetic system.
A. Mahmudov explored the pronunciation of vowels and consonants, their articulatory changes in speech processes, and described them using experimental methods. He relied on phonetic observations to establish norms of literary pronunciation. His work laid the scientific foundation for determining pronunciation standards and demonstrated the practical importance of phonetics.


Ayyub G‘ulomov specialized in theoretical linguistics and studied word formation and morphology in the Uzbek language. Although his work did not focus directly on phonetics and phonology, it emphasized language structure, word formation, and speech organization. His theoretical methodology is considered valuable in phonetic research.


Abdulhamid Nurmonov focused on the phonological system of the Uzbek language, the functions of phonemes, and positional and combinatorial features of language units.
M. Mirtojiev investigated the structure of the vowel system in Uzbek, their labialization, height, and historical development. He also compared phonetic differences in Karluk, Kipchak, and Oghuz dialects.


S. Otamirzayeva discussed the impact of phonetic phenomena on the teaching process, highlighting the role of stress, intonation, and assimilation in speech.
M. Yusupova conducted an in-depth analysis of consonants, including voicing and devoicing relationships, and outlined rules and patterns of phonetic changes.
A. Hojiyev developed theoretical foundations of phonology, paying special attention to the meaning-distinguishing function of phonemes.
Sh. Rahmatullayev specialized in historical phonetics, analyzing phonetic changes in ancient written sources.


The works of these scholars have enriched the theoretical and practical understanding of the Uzbek phonetic system and contributed significantly to the development of phonetics as a discipline.


Analysis and Results:
The Uzbek phonetic system shares common features with Turkic languages while exhibiting unique national characteristics. Research shows that the articulatory features of vowels and consonants, their changes during speech, and phonetic rules have evolved throughout the language’s historical development.
Analysis of the vowel system demonstrates classification based on labialization, front-back position, and tongue height. Historical developments include certain phonetic changes, such as the shortening of long vowels in Old Turkic. In dialectal speech, vowel position shifts give rise to phonetic variants.


Stress and intonation play a crucial role in proper comprehension. Phonetic rules are key in establishing standards of literary pronunciation. Scientific studies in phonetics have shown that speech sounds possess not only physical and physiological characteristics but also semantic properties.
Overall, studies on Uzbek phonetics provide a systematic understanding of phonemes, their role in distinguishing meaning, and factors influencing historical development. This strengthens the theoretical foundation of phonetics and contributes to the formation of literary language norms.


Conclusion:
The phonetic system of the Uzbek language represents a fundamental layer of the language’s internal structure. The system of speech sounds, their articulatory and acoustic properties, and the role of phonetic processes are central to the field of phonetics. Sounds are not only the material basis of speech but also serve as meaning-distinguishing elements that connect language units. Therefore, scientific study of the phonetic system is essential for shaping literary norms, improving pronunciation culture, and enhancing overall speech culture in Uzbek.


In the Uzbek sound system, vowels and consonants function in harmony. Vowels are classified by labialization, front-back position, and tongue height, while consonants are categorized by voicing-devoicing, plosive-fricative, and sonorant characteristics. Phonetic processes — such as assimilation, dissimilation, stress, intonation, and elision — ensure natural adaptation of speech sounds and play a vital role in conveying the meaning of words and sentences.
Research in phonetics confirms that the Uzbek phonetic system is continuously developing and evolving. Historical sound changes, dialectal variations, and pronunciation peculiarities reflect the richness and national spirit of the language. A thorough understanding of phonetic theory expands linguistic knowledge and provides a scientific foundation for teaching Uzbek, reinforcing literary standards, and developing speech culture.


References:
Mahmudov A. Issues of Uzbek Literary Phonetics. – Tashkent: Fan, 2007.
Mirtojiev M. The Vowel System in the Uzbek Language and Its Development. – Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 1991.
Otamirzayeva S., Yusupova M. Phonetics, Orthography, Orthoepy, and Orthography. – Tashkent: O‘qituvchi, 2010.
Hojiyev A. Explanatory Dictionary of Linguistic Terms. – Tashkent: Fan, 2002.
Rahmatullayev Sh. Historical Phonetics of the Uzbek Language. – Tashkent: Universitet, 1995.
Yoldoshev I., et al. Fundamentals of Linguistics. – Tashkent: Fan, 2014.
Zokirova H., Nabiyeva D. Phonetics of the Uzbek Language. – Andijan: ASU Press, 2016.

Poetry from Abigail George

Subtropics

Love is quiet

Quiet

Be strong heart

I’ve cried tears

that have

tasted like the rain

Woven into my tissues

are wildflowers

What are woven

into yours?

I spoke to  

the person in the cell

I went to bed with storms in my head

I called it a mistake then

And much later, a lesson

a choice

It’s summer

I feel the heat

beneath my skin 

under my eyelids

I feed my father’s cancer

tomato sandwiches 

Dark

Dark

Dark

Here they come

The waves

Fear in my heart

for every word not said

every meal not prepared

when I saw blood

on the bandage

that covered your eye

Oh, mother

will you ever forgive me

for not listening to you?

Daily I write you poems

inside my head

that turn into

hymns, psalms

the Chopin melody turns into a river

the piano into a cold leaf

Dark

Dark

Dark

Here the waves come

I am left waiting for a miracle

in the dark

a spinster

with spinster thoughts

with spinster wants, needs and desires

even these fantasies

have tested me. 

Overnight I turned into a museum

What is this weakness inside of me?

Yes, I realise I am weak

I realise

I have my limitations

Self, ego

The road is a miracle

It’s dark

I can’t seem to find my way

The older men are nice

They are kind

The men who are

as old as my father

have intellectual discussions with me

The women ignore me

Their laughter tastes like English mustard

That’s all

Decay

That’s all

that’s left of me.

I wait

for the chops

to defrost

on the countertop

growing older

colder, more afraid

in this

a time of questioning

I read my future

Counting my past’s sorrows

Anxiety’s pre-history

Mad with erosion in my soul

I think I understand 

your shy tenderness now

The beast 

and roots and the powers

of wilderness in you

Poetry is experience

Vertigo taught me that

I think of all my teachers

while the meat turns into metaphor.

The doorway

I make toast

with peanut butter

for you

it’s important

there are many

things that are important

these days

the light

in this room

for one thing

for another

the fact that you’re

awake

that I’m in the kitchen

making you

a late breakfast

Digging

Digging

Digging

While they dig

Yes, while those cancer cells dig, chip

anchoring away

I eat the sun

It drips down my chin

While the dog barks

Yes, while the dog barks

You’re quiet

So, so quiet

Into the loathed

strangeness of cancer

They curl then dance, curl

and dance away into mitochondria

Into the strangeness

of tissues and organs

the groaning of the body

its atoms

all of its dimensions

Into the holistic awareness

of those cells

Daddy, I hope

these berries heal you

Take this

and accept this mug

of green tea

this offering,

this machine

My love is like

ginger and honey, these bees’ rage

will nourish you

The ginger

will behave

like ointment, honey a salve

a balm

I keep meeting

your gaze in maps

Drinking in the fear

and anguish in your eyes

You see, it matches my own.

It matches my own

The doorway becomes

a passage, nobody sees my tears.

And you, dad,

becomes a new creation

While the machine performs a scan

on you

I am frozen

You’re a sphere

A flat grassland

The back of my hand

Neverland

One day you’re never

Coming back to me

You won’t be walking

through the front door

The grief and longing here

how sweet you are

how faithful

Never leave daddy

Never leave me, my beloved

Strange bones

What strange love this is

A daughter’s love

To optimism and hope

For its appearance in my life

This is me remembering you

And for the memories

All the memories

That you will leave behind.