American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences ISSN (E): 2832-8019 Volume 32, | January - 2025 P a g e | 51 www.americanjournal.org THE CORRELATION OF READING AND THE BOOK Nurmatova Umida Jalolidinovna Uzbekistan-Finland Pedagogical Institute Associate Professor of Social and Humanities Department (PhD) A B S T R A C T K E Y W O R D S This scientific article analyzes the existence, nature, relationship between reading and the book, as well as the ontological and epistemological characteristics of reading and the book in terms of their functional properties. In addition, the complex cognitive process of understanding the text as a means of language, communication, obtaining information, and exchanging ideas is emphasized. Reading, book, traditional reading, reading culture, reading mechanisms, existence of book, nature of book, epistemology of reading, style of reading. Introduction In our country, the value of educating and nurturing the younger generation and fostering their spiritual development is highly regarded, with the opportunities for reading books and studying being highly appreciated. The complex program of measures to develop the system of publishing and promoting book products by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan[1], as well as to enhance the culture of reading and book-reading, emphasizes the importance of conducting complex research on the role of books in the spiritual development of individuals. In the process of reading, we gain knowledge about ourselves, the world, and our relationships with others. A book serves as a bridge connecting the past, present, and future. Therefore, as President Sh.Mirziyoyev emphasizes, "I believe that without books, progress and high spirituality cannot be achieved. The future of a person who does not read books, as well as that of a nation, is compromised".[2] Therefore, the measures to shape the culture of reading are not only important among young people but also for the wider population. Literature Review The analysis of books and reading, as well as their functional characteristics and dialectical unity from both a spatial and temporal perspective have been emphasized by numerous Russian researchers. T. Zberskiy, M.P. Yelnikov, I.E. Barenbaum, and others have highlighted the functional foundation of books in their works. For instance, according to T. Zberskiy, a book is "the result of a complex communication process, as it is a thing created in a purposeful way,"[3] as well as a means of social communication because it conveys socially significant information and engages in the process of knowledge acquisition. American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences Volume 32 January- 2025 P a g e | 52 www.americanjournal.org Research Methodology Various research methods such as historical, specific, temporal specificity, comparative, critical, logical, chronological, semantic, and pragmatic analysis have been employed in carrying out the research. Analysis and Results Reading and studying are essential for human spiritual growth and intellectual capacity. While the formations and intellectual legacies of hundreds, even thousands of thinkers such as Zero, Ibn Sino, Beruni, Jalaluddin Rumi, Alisher Navoi, Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur have evolved over centuries, the significance of their research and discoveries that came solely through books and readingcannot be overlooked. Great statesman and commander Amir Temur, who had attained great knowledge and wisdom, said the following about books: "A book is the foundation of all creativity, inventiveness, and intellectual reasoning, it is the mentor that brings life into existence."[4] Consequently, his library in Kok Seray was considered one of the largest centers of knowledge of the time and was recognized as the treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom. According to the existence of books, it is the creation of human intellect. It encompasses the foundational elements of human knowledge and cognitive thought. If the ontological separation of reading and the book is analyzed according to the modes of existence of existence, it is more relevant to the method of "coexistence" than Heidegger's six modes of existence (existence, coexistence, accessibility, presence, life, stability). That is, reading and the book "exist together", the book was created so that it can be read. Here, the substantial issue of these two concepts also interrelates. Reading is a complex cognitive process oriented towards understanding text, exchanging ideas, acquiring information, and sharing opinions that are based on the reader's existing knowledge, experience, and the social and cultural context of the language. Reading is inherently subjective and an intellectual activity in itself. Several scholars have provided various definitions for the category of reading. According to A.A. Umarov, reading is "the intellectual activity of gaining knowledge, learning, and experiencing pleasure, aimed at satisfying various needs of an active, purposive reading and social subject."[5] On the other hand, according to Russian scholar N.A. Stefanovskaya, reading is "a unique type of communication in text or special informational speech mediums involving a high level of existential cognitive dialogue."[6] In our opinion, reading is a global phenomenon, representing a part of the cultural heritage shared by all nations and peoples, encompassing language, literature, music, art, and theater. On the one hand, reading is a strategy for the thoughtful individual's life, and on the other hand, it is a creative process that requires significant effort to comprehend, understand, and reimagine any text. Reading and discussion are forms of study. Understanding is the main task of reading. What book is being read, for what purpose, in which direction and topic, determines the style of reading. The mechanisms of reading system are as follows: the internal pronunciation mechanism not only sees the text during reading, but also pronounces it to itself and, in addition, hears it, as a result, the organs of sight and hearing interact. Ontological meaning of reading - is a type of activity that allows one to understand the essence of existing things and events in space and time, develop spiritual existential being, and shape creative thinking. During the reading process, the reader enters a vast world, acquires new knowledge that was American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences Volume 32 January- 2025 P a g e | 53 www.americanjournal.org unknown before, which helps the reader form his own personal understanding and create a new idea of the world. In the reading process, the subject must understand, comprehend, analyze, explain information in the text, extract necessary information from the information environment, articulate it clearly and confidently in practical activities. Understanding a text helps an individual move from a lower level of understanding to a higher level. The process of the mind working on the book leads to a deeper understanding. Each person carries out the activity of reading with a specific goal in mind. In a philosophical sense, a book - is an effect that integrates knowledge about things, events, phenomena, processes that occur and develop in the material and spiritual world, transfers this knowledge from generation to generation providing service to the scientific and literary significance. "Reading and studying serve to provide knowledge to a person while also enhancing their moral, intellectual education and intellectual immunity"[8:91]. The entire spiritual world of humanity is present in books. Books cultivate the mind, enrich knowledge and creativity, develop emotional and cognitive activities, communication with people, and present a vivid image of life. In addition, a book is a means to develop one's ability to understand and memorize, and it is a matrix to develop specific areas of creativity. From this perspective, a book should not be equated with anything else. "The act of reading engages a person's intellectual activity: it helps to uncover the hidden black symbols on paper and translates them into speech that the person understands. The language of the book is translated into an inner language of the person and turns to its thinking section"[9:150]. A book has a unique phenomenon - reading and all things related to it, primarily alphabet, script, book format, layout, internal and external cover, and others are the subject's unique artistic product. The essence of a book is formed by the text that has symbolic character. A person can not only study a book, but also perceive, browse, read, or learn it, or just keep it. Traditional reading includes “First, traditional reading forms a creative personality by emphasizing the historical aspect, cultural heritage and civilizational character. The book preserves the past life, it suggests finding the truth, repeating it with deception and consciousness. Secondly, adding students to traditional books - is to bring together the authors' creative results in the form of books and to preserve them in a unique style”[9:149]. What is the essence and nature of a book? Has thought and speech, which have been the main source of knowledge, been present in a book for centuries? - these questions reveal its ontological aspects. According to its ontological nature, a book is a product of the human spirit, that is, its nature is spiritual. In terms of its nature, a book has individual and social imaginations. The book is analyzed at the community level, its place in space and time and an inseparable part of the world is always noted. In general, books have great power, and with their influence and existence, they create a knowledge space. And in the knowledge space, there is no room for emptiness. Therefore, the existence of a book has brought up the interest of society in learning and the need for reading. In his time, I. Kant divided all books into four groups: 1) books that contribute to our knowledge, further add to it, 2) books that educate based on moral values, 3) books that contribute to improving language and speech style, 4) books that serve as a tool in the game. From the perspective of today's era, Professor J. Ya. Yakhshilikov and N. E. Muhamediyev classify books into three major groups: 1. Books related to nature and studying the mysteries of nature that elaborate on scientific discoveries. 2. Books related to society and studying its mysteries that elaborate on scientific discoveries. 3. Literary books that beautifully reflect the spiritual life of society through American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences Volume 32 January- 2025 P a g e | 54 www.americanjournal.org internal feelings or experiences, fidelity and betrayal in love, youth pride, wisdom of youth, appreciation of parents, showing artistic deeds that embody the respect for tradition. Conclusion/Recommendations The book is a historical memory of humanity, capable of strengthening our spiritual, moral, and scientific background, guiding us towards a bright future. Additionally, the book serves as a powerful tool for cultural and scientific progress, expanding the scope of knowledge and enlightenment. It showcases the greatest achievements of human thought, sophisticated scientific theories, and wonderful technological discoveries. Through books, people have accumulated experience in all areas of life, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation and achieving great successes in the path of progress. Based on the philosophical ideas discussed above, it can be said that: Firstly, reading and the book complement each other in a unique way, with one enriching the other. The process of reading a book on a chosen topic is aimed at increasing the person's knowledge, enhancing their thinking, fostering creativity, and enjoyment. Secondly, reading is a voluntary and self-improving, creative, and individual process. A book is also an individual product with its own unique style. Both processes contribute to enhancing and developing the individual. Thirdly, reading is a process of attention, comprehension, analysis, and acquiring knowledge of the diversity and full content of the world. A book, as a phenomenon of material culture, widens a person's views on the world and increases their self-understanding. Fourthly, reading and the book serve as essential elements in shaping the spiritual world of humans. Reading is a significant process in an individual's life, forming a cognitive and ontological essence. Because reading and the book help to generalize knowledge and learn about life. Fifthly, reading and the book contribute to the creation of the world of knowledge. The book is an indispensable part of the world existing in a person's life. Books contain all forms of human thought and all manifestations of existence. Books facilitate understanding life, stimulate thinking, encourage creativity, and elevate individuals to higher levels. In general, reading and learning from books contribute to human thinking and the development of modern sciences. References 1. The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. On the complex program of measures for the development of the system for publishing and promoting book products, the enhancement of book enjoying and reading culture, and encouragement // Xalq so'zi. - 14 September 2017. No.184 (6878). 2. Mirziyoyev Sh.M. Let's build our great future with noble and educated people. - Tashkent: Uzbekistan, 2017. - P.114 3. Chervinsky M. Semiotics of the book. – Moscow: Book, 1981. –P. 64 4. Keren L., Saidov A. Amir Temur and France. - Tashkent: "Adolat", 2016. P. 85 5. Umarov A.A. The role of reading in ensuring social and cultural progress and shaping a complete human / Abstract of doctoral dissertation in social sciences. Tashkent, Uzbek State University, 2005. P.135 American Journal of Research in Humanities and Social Sciences Volume 32 January- 2025 P a g e | 55 www.americanjournal.org 6. Stefanovskaya N.A. Existential foundations of reading. – Tambov: Derzhavin Tambov State University Publishing House, 2008. – 157 p. 7. Yakhshilikov J.Ya, Muhammadiyev N.E. National idea: Uzbekistan's strategy for development. - Tashkent: Chulpon NMIU, 2018. P. 580 8. Nurmatova U.J. The role of reading as an important attribute of the educational process. Issues of Uzbekistan-Finland education and the development of the younger generation. International scientific-practical conference May 24-25, 2024. P. 91 9. NURMATOVA, U. J. (2021). PHILOSOPHICAL AND EPISTEMOLOGICAL ESSENCE OF READING A BOOK. 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