Poetry from Eva Petropolou Lianou

Eva Petropolou Lianou, middle aged white European woman with reddish brown hair, hazel eyes, and lipstick.

Broken 

We are broken from previous years

We are broken and weak

Do not come with gifts and close mind

We cannot believe words

Because was never said

We are broken

With several wounds

We try to fix ourselves

Love

Is a word

That nobody understands the same way

Love

Give

Protect

Understand

Respect

Heal

Rebirth

We are broken

Not ready to move

In this life 

Don’t play with Human hearts

Essay from Davronova Asilabonu (Published May 1 for International Press Freedom Day)

Young Central Asian woman holding a book and standing on a lawn near trees and large buildings. She's got a brown buttoned coat and white top.

The Role and Future of Journalism in the Digital Age

Journalism has always been an inseparable part of society. It serves the purpose of informing people, uncovering the truth, and delivering unbiased information about significant events. However, with the development of digital technologies, journalism has undergone significant changes. The widespread use of the internet and social media has forced traditional media outlets to transform their formats. In this article, we will discuss the importance, opportunities, and future of digital journalism.

The Importance of Digital Journalism

Digital journalism is much faster and more comprehensive than traditional media, making it the most modern method of delivering information to the public. People can now access news not only through newspapers or television but also through websites, blogs, podcasts, and social media. Moreover, thanks to mobile technologies, news can be read at any time and place.

Additionally, digital journalism stands out for its interactivity. People have the opportunity to comment, share their opinions, and directly engage with journalists. This helps strengthen the connection between journalists and their audience and allows them to better understand the audience’s needs. Journalists can also monitor public opinion in real-time and use it to create news stories.

Opportunities in Digital Journalism

Digital journalism opens the door to new opportunities. Firstly, collecting and analyzing information has become much easier. Artificial intelligence and big data processing technologies allow journalists to explore pressing issues in more depth.

Secondly, new platforms allow independent journalists to amplify their voices. Through blogs, YouTube channels, and social media pages, anyone can gather an audience and spread their news. This has led to the emergence of diverse opinions in the media sector, increasing the diversity of information sources.

Thirdly, the importance of visual content is growing. People are more likely to engage with infographics, videos, and podcasts rather than text-based news. Therefore, journalists need to make their content visually appealing. Furthermore, technologies like artificial intelligence, such as automated news reading or text-to-video conversion tools, are also developing.

Future Developments in Journalism

In the future, journalism is likely to become even more digital. With the advancement of artificial intelligence, automated news-writing systems may emerge. At the same time, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies will allow news to be presented in a visual and interactive format. These technologies will make journalism even more engaging and realistic.

However, this development also comes with challenges. The increase in fake news and disinformation, the security of personal data, and the financial stability of independent journalism are major concerns for journalists. Therefore, in the future, journalists will need to develop new strategies and use technology appropriately to deliver trustworthy and unbiased information.

Moreover, improving media literacy is crucial. People should not trust every piece of information they find on the internet and should develop the habit of verifying sources. Journalists, in turn, must deliver reliable and fact-based content to gain the trust of their audience.

Conclusion

Digital-age journalism has transformed traditional journalism and created new opportunities. The speed of information delivery has increased, interactive communication with audiences has developed, and new possibilities for independent journalists have emerged.

Davronova Asilabonu Jo’rabek qizi was born on October 6, 2007, in the Jarqo’rg’on district of Surxondaryo region, Uzbekistan. She is currently studying in the 11th grade at School No. 5. Asilabonu has achieved numerous international accomplishments in various fields, showcasing her dedication and talent. Known for her academic excellence and active participation in global competitions, she is a rising star and continues to pursue her goals with determination and passion.

Short story from Bill Tope

Out of the Gloom

Following a breakfast hardly worthy of the name, Annie sat with her cup of coffee on the porch, swinging listlessly as she watched huge, sculpted flakes of snow blow across her front yard. The wind sang through the black, denuded boughs of her hickory trees. Although the outdoor thermometer showed the temperature to be a bitterly cold 12 degrees Fahrenheit, Annie didn’t feel the chill in the air. She did, however, feel the coldness of isolation and depression and a continuing deep sense of loss closing in on her.

She cast her mind back several weeks, to the two days voluntary absence she’d taken from work. Annie, 60, had worked for half of her life at Mercer Portfolio as an executive secretary. She knew, as did her employer, that she was very good at her job, and her record of attendance had been nearly spotless. She hadn’t requested personal time off from work since her mom died, almost a decade before. The time had been readily granted. Additionally, cards, flowers, prepared food and other expressions of condolence has been forthcoming. All this for the death of a woman with whom Annie had not stayed overnight for more than 40 years.

Mom, a cold and unfeeling woman trapped in parenthood, had never wanted to be a mother. Because of her ambivalance, she had treated her only child distantly. Annie’s father died when she was 7 and she could scarcely remember him. She remembered the last time she had visited her mother, 11 years before. She had just flown in.

“Mom, how can I help? Do you want me to do some laundry or shopping or…”

“I don’t want nothin’ from you,” snapped Delores Davis in her hacking, 3-pack-a-day voice. “You don’t come back but ever’ other month and you try to make up for it by doin’ laundry or shoppin’ or whatever. I jus’ want one thing from you,” she said.

“What’s that?” asked Annie tiredly. They went through this same drama every few months. “What could I finally do that would actually make you happy?”

“Don’t come back here no more,” said the old woman with an evil smirk. “That,” asserted Delores, “would make me very happy!”

Annie got a letter from the Edgewood Nursing Home a month later, telling her that Delores had entered their facility as a permanent resident. Annie never again saw her mother alive. She had several times sent a check to the Home to provide some extras for Mom, but the envelopes had been returned unopened. A phone call from that facility almost a year later informed her that Delores Davis had escaped her mortal bonds. Annie had felt numb for a day afterward, but that was all. No other member of her family was living.

Sam, however, was another story. Sam, Annie’s molly cat, had been an integral part of her life from the time she got her from Animal Rescue at 3 months until she finally died at 17 years. Sam was a fast friend and constant companion and Annie had come to rely emotionally on her cat to always be there for her. Conjuring an image of her beloved Sam still brought a tear to her eye. Perhaps most hurtful was that, unlike when her mother had died, others reacted rather coldly when Annie expressed her grief at Sam’s passing.

Her boyfriend, Arch, at her home on the day of Sam’s passing, at first seemed not to know what to say, but then folded her obligingly in his arms and patted her back. But, when she didn’t immediately snap out of it, he seemed not to understand why the loss of a friend whom Annie had known ten times as long as she’d known him should have struck her so hard.

“Annie,” he said with rock-headedness, “how long are you going to mope?” She looked up out of her tissue and blinked. “I mean, it’s only a cat.” Her lips drew into a straight, unhappy line. Arch, she knew, had never liked Sam, not really. What he said next was the worst thing: “If it had been a dog, then I could get it…”

“Then get this,” she told him coldly, and stuffed her snotty tissue into his shirt pocket and said, “Beat it!” He did beat it and, despite fruitlessly calling her daily for the first week, soon stopped trying to make contact.

“Hey, Sam, cute stuff,” cooed Annie, picking the cat up off the porch and cradling her like a baby in her arms. The cat instantly began to loudly purr. “That’s a good girl,” Annie said, and rubbed Sam’s belly. Annie sat down upon the swing, eagerly soaking up the love she she often hadn’t found elsewhere. “Hey,” she asked the cat, “do you want some treats?” Sam’s ears perked up and she squirmed and jumped from Annie’s arms, landing lightly upon the porch floor. She fed Sam her treats, but of course she wanted more. Additional crunchies were not forthcoming, however, for as Annie cautioned Sam, “We girls got to watch our figures, or no one else will.”

“Mr. Helper,” said Annie, speaking on the phone with her boss. “It’s Annie.”

“Annie, are you feeling any better? I was surprised when you took a sick day yesterday. I checked, and you haven’t taken a sick day since you had Covid, nearly 5 years ago.”

“I’m alright, Mr. Helper, thank you. I need to call off today for a different reason.”

Helper’s voice suddenly turned harder. “What reason?” he asked suspiciously.

“Sam…my cat, Sam, died yesterday, and I’m still a little messed up about it.”

Silence.

“Mr. Helper?” asked Annie.

“You mean, you weren’t ill yesterday?” he asked.

“Well, not physically. But, emotionally I was a mess. I owned Sam for…”

He cut her off. “You can have one day, Ms. Davis,” said Helper, using her formal appellation. “You misled the firm yesterday when you called off with what turned out be a lie. One day,” he repeated. He disconnected.

Annie never went back to Mercer Industries.

Claudia, Annie’s best friend from work, called her 5 days into her continued absence from the job. “What’s goin’ on, girl?” asked Claudia. Annie had phoned her friend the day that Sam died and left a message, but until now, she had received no call back. “The rumor mill is working overtime, Annie. Did you really quit?”

“Quit?” repeated Annie. “Not exactly. I’m still grieving, Claudia. I told you, Sam died.”

“Yes,” murmured her friend. “You said that.” After a moment, she asked, “what else is it? Are you sick? Tell me you’re sick, Annie, and I’ll tell that to Helper. Then he can’t fire you.”

“I already told him why I missed work, Claudia,” said Annie.

“I can tell him you were upset, that you had a serious condition; you know, that you had an STD or something and were ashamed to talk about it.”

“I’m not ashamed, Claudia,” Annie said a little more sharply that she intended. “But I am grieving. If you and Mr. Helper and his bosses can’t cut me some slack after three decades of faithful service, then…” She was losing her temper, something she’d never done before with her friend.

“Do you feel suicidal?” asked Claudia eagerly.

Annie pulled her cell phone away from her face and stared into it. She said, “What?”

“If I could tell them you’re suicidal, then they could refer you Human Resources and get you some help…”

Annie retorted, “I don’t need help. I just need time to grieve.” Did she need professional help? she wondered. A shrink would only laugh at her, she feared.

“Then I could explain that you were raped–a date rape–and you had PTSD.”

Annie took a great breath and let it out. “Claudia,” she said calmly, “I’m not suicidal. But I could use some personal support, from my friends.”

“What about Arch?” asked Claudia.

“Yes,” replied Annie wearily, “what about Arch?”

“Is there anything I can do to help?” asked Claudia next.

“I’ll call you if I need anything, okay?” replied Annie softly.

“Okay, girl.”

“Oh, baby,” said Annie, kneeling by Sam’s side. The cat had just vomited again and lay prostrate in the mess. She pulled her pet from the discharge and took her inside to wipe her off. This was the third time is as many days that Sam had regurgitated. Annie phoned up the vet and made an appointment for that afternoon.

Dr. Patel gently palpitated Sam’s distended abdomen and checked her tongue and eyes and ears. He said something about “jaundice.”

“No parasites,” he murmured, “but we’ll check the stool sample and do an X-ray and an ultrasound.” Sam had known the vet all her life and trusted him. But, when he touched her stomach, she growled crossly. After an hour, the vet met with Annie again and told her that Sam’s liver was at issue.

“It’s hepatic failure, Annie,” said the vet. “It’s almost certainly the result of the ingestion of toxins. We’ve gotten a number of similar cases in the area. Do you use any toxins around your house?”

Annie frowned thoughtfully. “No,” she began but then remembered, “the groundskeeping crew has used a defoliant on my blackberries the last two years. But, I asked them and they said it was pet-friendly and wouldn’t hurt Sam.” When he asked, she told him the brand name. He stared sadly at her. “Do you think they lied to me?” she asked in a tiny voice.

_______

Annie and Sam sat alone on a bench in the consultation room at the vet’s. She sat not in her lap as she usually did, but stretched out on the seat. She gently stroked her side. Dr. Patel had told her that, given Sam’s condition and her age, surgery was not indicated. It would be very expensive and it simply wouldn’t work; Sam would never survive the procedure.

“Pretty girl,” she murmured. The cat rolled onto her back and stuck her paws into the air.

The vet reentered the room.

“How long does Sam have, Dr. Patel?” she asked, feeling the moment was surreal.

The vet stroked the cat; Sam purred. “She could last for six months. Or she could expire tomorrow.”

Expire, thought Annie bleakly. What a cold, lifeless word to describe the death of a friend.

“It’s up to you, of course,” the vet went on, “but the kinder course would be to put Sam to sleep, as soon as possible.”

Annie felt as though a hundred pound weight were on her shoulders. “Is she in any pain?” she asked.

The doctor nodded. “Yes,” he said.

Sam was euthanized 30 minutes later, after Annie had said her goodbyes. She didn’t cry, which she felt was weird, inasmuch as her grief was manifest. She told herself she was still in shock. The vet’s assistant gave Annie a wax imprint of Sam’s paws, plus a bill for $1,500, including $100 for the cremation.

Annie sat alone in her car and wept bitterly.

_______

For the first week, Annie felt as if, when she entered a room, she would find Sam padding across the floor or mischievously shredding the curtains or sharpening her nails in the doorways. Then she’d remember and just sigh. Her friends, all from work, were by this time avoiding her. Claudia had emailed her and told her that at Mercer, Annie was persona non grata and no one dared be seen with her. This explained the mild rebukes she’d gotten from work friends she’d texted to spend some time with. She was dreadfully lonely. The house and yard were home to ghosts.

Doing what she always did when she faced uncertainty, Annie booted up her PC and consulted Dr. Google. She clicked on Grief Over Pets and received a panoply of advice. She read that modern Western society had a rather unforgiving attitude toward those who claimed to be suffering grief over the death of an animal. They called this disenfranchised grief and said that it only added on additional layers of misery to those so afflicted.

By the time the second week had passed, she thought to seek professional help. Dialing up the HMO in which employees of Mercer were enrolled, she talked to what sounded like an older woman at the HMO and explained her situation, asking if she could have an appointment with a mental  health professional. The woman apparently placed her hand over the telephone receiver and spoke to someone else. When she came back on the line, she said, barely containing her hilarity, “Maybe you should contact an animal psychologist,” and exploded into gales of unpleasant laughter. “I think they got one at the greyhound track,” she added, then cackled some more.

Annie hung up the phone.

Nights were the worst. When Arch wasn’t there, Sam had spent the nights in Annie’s bed, curled on top of the comforter and nestled in her owner’s arm. But, because Arch was now a ghost as well, Annie spent every night. every second, alone. She hated it.

Mercer was an investment brokerage and the employees, including the secretaries, had profitted from the firm’s investment strategies and enjoyed rich supplements to their already generous remuneration. After 30 years, Annie was but 7 years from retirement. And, because she was in good health and excellent financial shape, decided she wouldn’t reenter the work force. Although she had been discharged, the company was still obliged to pay her substantial pension. Annie retired.

Annie sat in the living room, wathing a PSA on television, showing the dire situation of abandoned and neglected animals. It was a fund-raising effort by Animal Rescue, the same group where she’d gotten Sam so long agp. Videos of starving dogs and abused kittens and lame horses flashed across the screen, ripping at her heart. When the commercial ended, Annie turned to her PC and looked up Animal Rescue on the web. She was surprised to learn that the local shelter was still located at the same spot it had been when she got Sam so long ago. Taking up a wrap, she walked to her car and into her salvation.

Annie was shocked to discover that the same ageless woman who had facilitated Sam’s adoption was still working at the shelter, only now she was the director. Her name, she read on her name tag, was Gladys. Next on the string of miracles was that the woman recognized Annie as well when she mentioned the animal she had adopted.

“Sam, yes, I remember,” said Gladys. “In our follow up telephone interview with you, you said you named her Sam. But, she’ll always be Cuddles to me,” she said, recalling the temporary name that the shelter had given her. She expressed condolences when Annie told her that Sam had passed. But, she didn’t press Annie to immediately readopt and Annie was a little surprised.

“It’s important to grieve properly after a friend passes,” Gladys said. “If you adopt too soon, it’s not fair to the memory of your friend and it’s not fair to your new animal.” Gladys went on to recommend a grieving period of 2 to 3 months, at a minimum. “And Cuddles…Sam, has been gone just six weeks.”

Annie smiled with relief; she had half expected a hard sales pitch; perhaps she was too used to the mercenary buyers and sellers of the transactional American culture. “I agree with you, Gladys,” said Annie.

“Then what can I help you with today, Annie?” asked the other woman. “Or did you just want to visit with some of our little friends?”

‘Is…is that allowed?” asked Annie timidly.

“Of course. Look around and visit. They love company.”

So Annie did, strolling around and visiting every animal. They all seemed pathetically eager for attention, for socialization. When she had completed her visit, she asked the question she had when she came.

“Is there anything that I can do?” she asked.

“What did you have in mind?” asked Gladys, all business now.

“Well,” replied Annie. “As a volunteer. I’m recently retired and I have a lot of hours to fill. And I’d like to help, if I can.”

“What sort of work did you do?” asked Gladys.

“I was an executive secretary for a financial firm for thirty years,” replied Annie.

“Well,” said Gladys, we don’t have much call for dictation or typing and the like…” Annie’s shoulders slumped. “…but,” she continued, “If you can muck out cages and give the animals water and food and assist the visiting vets and love the precious creatures, then you got a job.” She smiled warmly.

“Can I start today?” asked Annie.

Annie began working at the shelter 15 hours a week, which soon escalated to 6 hours per day, five days per week. She loved her work, menial as it was. She enjoyed getting her hands dirty and returning home in the evening smelling like cats and dogs. She fell in love with all the animals, though Sam was never far from her mind. By August, Annie felt that the intensity of her grief was at last at an end. She approached Gladys one afternoon.

“I think I’m ready,” she said.

Gladys somehow knew exactly what she meant. “I think you’re ready too,” she said. “Does this mean you’ll be leaving the shelter?” she asked with concern.  Annie was one of her most avid helpers and her sudden absence would surely be felt. Not only a favorite of the shelter’s patrons, board members and workers, but the animals took to her naturally as well. Their love was returned.

“You’ll never get rid of me, Gladys,” vowed Annie.

“Who’s the lucky girl, or guy?” asked Gladys.

“I’m adopting Jupiter,” declared Annie with a big smile, referencing a large gray male cat.

Gladys frowned. “Honey, Jupiter is 13 years old.”

“I know.”

“In just a couple of years you may have to go through with him what you did with Sam.” Jupiter was diabetic and needed daily insulin injections, which the shelter’s pro bono vet had trained Annie to give.

“I know all that, Gladys,” said Annie. “But, Jupiter has been here for two years, and if I don’t adopt him, then nobody will. He’s an outcast, sort of like me. I think we belong together, you know?”

The night that Annie adopted Jupiter, she lay asleep with the big gray cat curled into her chest and she dreamed. Of Sam. In the dream, Sam was in her lap on the swing and Annie was stroking her fur. Sam suddenly began purring very loudly. She looked up into Annie’s green eyes and opened her mouth.

“What is it, baby?” asked Annie, bending down. In response, Sam leaned up and bit Annie almost impossibly softly on the nose. Then she was gone.

Annie woke up abruptly, said aloud, “Sam?” But, it was Jupiter who lay nestled up against her. There had, Annie realized, been a changing of the guard and a release from her ever-present malaise. The cat looked up inquiringly into his mistress’s eyes, as if to say, this is all new to me too. “I’m out of the gloom now,” murmured Annie, and fell back into a dreamless sleep.

Essay from Aziza Xazanova

Young Central Asian woman with an embroidered headdress, dark straight hair up in a bun, a white collared top and black coat and yellow bow.

Scandal is not the solution                                                                                            

Problems and fights are everywhere. Because war will not be the relationship itself without quarrels. Whether it’s in personal life or social .There are also minor disappointments in major cities. Only if you can find the right solution by eliminating it, problems and conflicts will not leave a bad mark on our psyche and memory pages. In my opinion, the problem can be solved in two ways .The first is to calm down and the main thing is to listen to each other.

         The beginning of any irreconcilable argument is caused by misunderstanding .People decide on anger in a hurry without listening to each other’s words to the end. This condition is common in every human condition unfortunately. In such cases, the first thing to do is always try to calm down .Because not all decisions made on anger are true ,and the disputes that are taking place at this time have a profound effect on a person’s life. How do you say? We often lighten our anger when we are angry by saying bitter words to other people, not precisely from the person who let us out of anger. This causes our loved ones to be disappointed in US or lose them. It is necessary to try to calm down somehow so as not to get into such bad situations. It is necessary to coldly try to solve the issue in the case when the person or situation standing on our opposite side is looking at the situation with a real eye, no matter to what extent we were angry, and remember that nothing will change with a quarrel. To the question of how to calm down ? we must remember that in this world everyone can make mistakes ,that there is no perfect person or perfect situation for himself, that nothing stands in this world above our peace and health and more expensive. Because a person who stands in front of us during a quarrel will also expect from us that he will treat us. The situation changes if you speak softly and politely without any quarrels ,or if you can see the good side of the situation, a little, not only from the negative side, the person standing in front of you will sometimes fall.

     Not listening to each other is a situation that aggravates the situation. Those are small problems that cause that condition gets bigger . We all have to try to overcome any situation by being forgiving, taking into account that we make mistakes. Why exactly listen? After all, said a bad word, insulted, is it possible to respond politely? if the question torments you, remember the phrase “good word soul mate”. Even thanks to one sweet word, a person can change for the better in life .This means that you will appear not as a weak or stupid person, but as an incredibly strong person .Try to listen and understand a little, no matter how difficult it is, make a decision in a position that does not compromise the interests between the two people .this shows that you are a real leader. Whether you are an ordinary schoolboy or a student or an ordinary person, you will find the respect you respect.

     From my simple experience , I can conclude that when you come across a person who has said a bad word to you or is in a bad situation in life, do so, try to look for the good side of the situation, see the good side. Because there is wisdom in every job! With the sweet words you say, there will probably be a little better change in someone’s life .Try to turn this quarrel into warm conversations with good qualities in yourself, rather than expanding the quarrels by hurriedly saying offensive words. This will definitely help. Miracles are created by man himself. Think about the fact that everything is possible in this world ,consult ,share your thoughts ,and not that you also leave a quarrel or some big problem will ruin my life, but never think that I will forcibly achieve something with a quarrel. Haste never brings benefits! do not forget that only doing good and good words change the world!

Khasanova Aziza Kumushbek qizi was born on October 1, 2004 in the city of Chirchik, Tashkent region.Student Of The Tashkent Institute of Economics and pedagogy. Owner of several scientific articles.

Poetry from Hashimjonova Durdana

Young Central Asian woman with an embroidered headdress and braids of dark black hair and a blue jacket and white collared shirt (school uniform) standing in front of blue and white flags.

Daughter of the Homeland

This pride is higher than the mountains of Askar,

In my hand, the homeland stands brave.

Now you, soldiers, go to the adge,

Today Durdona is preparing for battle.

With my grandfather’s belt around my waist,

I will walk along the paths that Manguberdi loved.

If the enemies bring me to the gallows,

Then I will say “Homeland”, “Homeland”.

Today to erase your sorrows,

Your poetess daughter will take a sword in her hand.

I will never allow it to be erased,

The trace left by my grandfather Amir Temur.

This pride is higher than the mountains of Askar,

In my hand, the homeland stands brave.

Now you, soldiers, go to the adge,

Today Durdona is preparing for battle!

Hashimjonova Durdana daughter of Sodirjan. Born of April 29, 2010 Rishtan district, Fergana region.  Currently, she is an 8th grade student at school No.59.

Essay from Matqurbonova Ro’zaxon

Matqurbonova Ro’zaxon Zokirjon qizi

Samarkand state institute of foreign languages

rozaxonmatqurbonova17@gmail.com

Abstract: Speaking is one of the most important skills in language learning, requiring effective teaching methods to enhance learners’ communication abilities. This article explores various methods used in speaking lessons, emphasizing their impact on students’ fluency, accuracy, and confidence. It discusses the role of interactive, communicative, and task-based approaches in fostering better speaking skills. The findings suggest that a combination of different methods leads to improved student engagement and language proficiency.

Keywords: speaking skills, teaching methods, communicative approach, task-based learning, fluency

Introduction

Developing speaking skills in a foreign language requires a strategic approach that combines various teaching methods. Effective speaking lessons should focus on fluency, accuracy, and interaction to help learners become confident communicators. Traditional methods, such as grammar-translation and audiolingual approaches, have been supplemented with more interactive techniques, including communicative language teaching (CLT) and task-based learning (TBL). This article examines different methods used in speaking lessons and their impact on language learners.

Speaking is a fundamental skill in language learning, as it enables learners to communicate effectively in real-life situations. However, developing speaking proficiency requires a combination of different teaching methods that address fluency, accuracy, and confidence. Traditional approaches, such as grammar-translation and audiolingual methods, have often emphasized memorization and repetition, but modern methodologies focus more on interactive and communicative strategies to enhance speaking skills.

In recent years, language educators have integrated a variety of techniques, including Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Task-Based Learning (TBL), and technology-assisted learning, to create engaging and student-centered speaking lessons. These approaches encourage meaningful communication, allowing learners to practice language in authentic contexts. Research suggests that a combination of these methods leads to better speaking performance by promoting spontaneous speech, interactive learning, and self-correction.

Many researchers have explored the effectiveness of different methods in teaching speaking skills. Brown (2007) emphasized that communicative competence should be the primary goal of language instruction, advocating for an interactive approach. Similarly, Richards and Rodgers (2014) analyzed various methodologies and highlighted the significance of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in fostering spontaneous speech.

Task-Based Learning (TBL) has also been widely researched. Ellis (2003) found that TBL enhances learners’ ability to use language in real-life situations by engaging them in meaningful tasks. Harmer (2007) supported this claim, arguing that task-based approaches promote fluency by reducing the fear of making mistakes.

Additionally, studies on language anxiety, such as Oflaz (2019), indicate that interactive methods help students build confidence and reduce speaking anxiety. Dörnyei and Ottó (1998) developed a process model of L2 motivation, suggesting that a positive classroom environment and engaging tasks play a crucial role in improving speaking skills.

Furthermore, the integration of technology in language learning has gained attention. Nation (2007) proposed the “Four Strands” framework, emphasizing the need for meaning-focused input and output. Asher (1969) introduced the Total Physical Response (TPR) method, which proved effective in developing oral proficiency, especially for beginners.

Method

This study explores the effectiveness of different methods used in speaking lessons to improve students’ fluency, accuracy, and confidence. The research was conducted in a classroom setting with language learners of various proficiency levels. A combination of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Task-Based Learning (TBL), and interactive activities was implemented over a period of eight weeks.

Participants engaged in role-plays, discussions, debates, and real-life simulations. Fluency was encouraged through spontaneous speaking activities, while accuracy was addressed through targeted feedback and corrective techniques. Technology-assisted learning, including language learning apps and video recordings, was also incorporated to provide additional speaking practice.

Data was collected through classroom observations, student surveys, and oral assessments. Fluency was measured by the number of words spoken per minute, accuracy by grammatical correctness, and confidence by self-reported surveys and teacher evaluations.

Discussion

One of the most widely used approaches in speaking lessons is Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), which emphasizes real-life communication. This method encourages students to engage in dialogues, role-plays, and discussions, helping them develop fluency and confidence. Unlike traditional grammar-focused methods, CLT prioritizes meaning over form, making language use more natural and spontaneous.

Another effective method is Task-Based Learning (TBL), which involves learners completing meaningful tasks that require communication. Examples include problem-solving activities, debates, and simulations. TBL promotes active participation, enhancing students’ ability to use language in different contexts.

Interactive methods such as group work and pair discussions also play a crucial role in speaking lessons. These activities create a dynamic learning environment where students practice speaking in a supportive setting. Additionally, technology-assisted learning, including language learning apps, video conferencing, and AI chatbots, provides opportunities for learners to practice speaking outside the classroom.

Despite the benefits of these methods, some challenges exist. Learners may struggle with accuracy when fluency is prioritized, and some students may feel anxious about speaking in front of others. Teachers must balance fluency and accuracy by integrating corrective feedback without discouraging participation.

Results

The findings indicate that using a combination of different methods significantly improved students’ speaking abilities. CLT and TBL-based activities increased student engagement and fluency, with participants showing a 30% increase in spoken words per minute. Accuracy improved as well, particularly when corrective feedback was integrated into interactive tasks.

Student confidence also increased, with 85% of participants reporting that they felt more comfortable speaking in front of others after completing the speaking lessons. The use of technology, such as recording and playback, helped students identify their mistakes and self-correct, further enhancing their learning experience.

Overall, the results demonstrate that incorporating various methods in speaking lessons leads to noticeable improvements in students’ communication skills. The combination of fluency-focused and accuracy-driven activities created a balanced approach, ensuring effective language learning.

Conclusion

Using different methods in speaking lessons enhances language acquisition by fostering fluency, accuracy, and confidence. A combination of communicative, task-based, and interactive approaches proves effective in engaging learners and improving their speaking skills. Teachers should adopt a flexible approach that meets the needs of diverse learners, ensuring that speaking lessons remain engaging and effective.

The use of different methods in speaking lessons plays a crucial role in developing students’ fluency, accuracy, and confidence. Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) and Task-Based Learning (TBL) have proven effective in promoting real-life communication and active student engagement. Interactive activities, such as role-plays, discussions, and debates, help learners practice spontaneous speech, while corrective feedback ensures grammatical accuracy.

The results of this study indicate that a combination of methods leads to better speaking performance compared to relying on a single approach. Students who participated in diverse speaking activities showed noticeable improvements in their ability to express themselves clearly and confidently. Additionally, the integration of technology-assisted learning provided further opportunities for practice and self-assessment.

To enhance speaking lessons, educators should adopt a flexible and student-centered approach, incorporating different strategies based on learners’ needs and proficiency levels. By balancing fluency-focused and accuracy-driven activities, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters both communication skills and linguistic competence.

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Poetry from Gulsanam Qurbonova

Young Central Asian woman with long straight dark hair and a black and white dress with white collars and polka dots seated on a patterned black and white couch for a TV interview.
MOTHER

The love of a mother is a profound and intricate tapestry, woven with threads of unconditional care, unwavering support, and a profound understanding that transcends words. It is a force that shapes our lives from the very beginning, nurturing our growth, guiding our steps, and leaving an indelible mark on our souls. 

From the moment a mother cradles her newborn in her arms, a bond is formed that defies definition. It is a primal connection, an instinctual understanding that transcends language and reason. The first touch, the first gaze, the first whisper – these are the building blocks of a love that will endure through time and circumstance. 

A mother's love is a constant source of strength and security. It is the safe haven we return to when the world feels overwhelming, the gentle hand that guides us through life's uncertainties. It is the unwavering belief in our potential, even when we doubt ourselves. 

As we grow, a mother's love adapts and evolves. It becomes the steady hand that helps us navigate the challenges of childhood, the encouraging voice that whispers, "You can do it!" when we face our first fears. It is the shoulder we cry on when our hearts are broken, the warm embrace that soothes our pain.

A mother's love is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, patience, and a willingness to put the needs of her children before her own. It means staying up late with a sick child, wiping away tears, and offering comfort when words fail. It means celebrating our triumphs and offering solace in our failures. 

Through the years, a mother's love becomes a guiding light, illuminating our path and providing us with a sense of purpose. She is the one who teaches us right from wrong, instills in us our values, and helps us develop our sense of self. 

Her love is a constant source of inspiration, reminding us that we are capable of great things. It is the fuel that propels us to pursue our dreams, to overcome obstacles, and to strive for excellence. 

A mother's love is a gift that keeps on giving. It is a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration that we carry with us throughout our lives. It is a love that transcends time and circumstance, a love that endures even when we are miles apart. 

But a mother's love is not just about the sacrifices she makes or the lessons she teaches. It is also about the joy she finds in watching her children grow and thrive. It is about the pride she feels when her children achieve their dreams. 

It is the shared laughter, the inside jokes, the memories that are woven into the fabric of our family. It is the simple moments of connection – a cup of coffee shared on a rainy morning, a phone call to say "I love you," a hug that speaks volumes. 

A mother's love is a complex and multifaceted thing, a love that is both powerful and tender, both fierce and gentle. It is a love that defies definition, a love that can only be felt in the depths of our hearts. 

It is a love that shapes who we are, that guides us through life's journey, and that leaves an indelible mark on our souls. It is a love that transcends words, a love that is eternal.

Even when our mothers are no longer with us, their love remains a constant presence in our lives. It is the legacy they leave behind, a legacy of love, support, and guidance that inspires us to live our lives to the fullest.