THE ROLE OF ENGLISH IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN UZBEKISTAN: A STUDY ON ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE NEEDS AMONG MA STUDENTS AT KARSHI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

English has emerged as a global lingua franca, serving as the primary medium for communication, academic exchange, and professional advancement in a variety of fields. This role of English is especially pronounced in higher education, where proficiency in the language can open doors to international research collaborations, scholarly publications, and career opportunities. For students pursuing advanced degrees, particularly at the master’s level, strong English language skills are crucial not only for academic success but also for achieving professional goals.