First Sharjah International Conference on AI and Linguistics hosted at AUS
- 21 Oct 2024
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The first Sharjah International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Linguistics which took place October 17–18 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, concluded at the American University of Sharjah (AUS).
The event was held in collaboration with the Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies (ESCRS), a subsidiary of Emirates Science and Research Foundation. The occasion brought together over 600 distinguished academics, researchers and industry experts. Across two days, participants engaged in around 100 presentations and over 20 workshops, exploring the intersection of AI and language studies.
The conference was a platform for academics, industry leaders and policymakers, to explore the future of language in the digital era. Discussions focused on leveraging AI to enhance global communications, while preserving cultural and linguistic diversity. The conference emphasised the transformative role AI plays in shaping-reshaping linguistic studies and communication practices.
At the conference - considered a milestone in Sharjah’s evolution as a global hub for research and technology collaboration - Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council and Chancellor of ESCRS Board of Trustees, said that the programme highlighted the Center’s commitment to integrating AI with linguistic studies, promoting international cooperation, and driving innovation in communication technologies, while preserving cultural identity.
He stressed that research collaboration between universities and research centres was crucial for future progress. Additionally, Dr. Al Nuaimi extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi for his unwavering support and to Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan AlQasimi, President of American University of Sharjah, for hosting the conference.
The schedule featured several distinguished speakers from various fields. Among them were Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, and Ashraf El-Shihy, former Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Ambassador Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, was among the participants, along with Imed Zitouni, Director of Engineering at Google. They illustrated, through examples, the intersection of AI, education, technology, and culture.
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, said that “hosting SICAL 2024 not only showcases AUS’ commitment to pioneering research, but also paves the way for transformative collaborations in the future.” The event explored key themes such as AI advancements in communication tools, AI applications in linguistics, and the impact of technology on cultural identity. Sessions focused on AI’s influence on communication tools; enhancing linguistic research through synergy between human expertise and Al; The Holy Quran language programme: its definition and the role of AI in its design; the role of AI in cultural translation: bridging or distorting meanings; and AI and the future of language learning: innovations and impact.
Abdulaziz Almusallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, cautioned that AI may undermine creative abilities, particularly among younger generations. He noted the importance of academic and cultural institutions in ensuring factual accuracy and curbing reliance on AI.
He also touched upon the growing risks of intellectual complacency and misinformation. The digital and GPT editions of the Historical Arabic Dictionary were also launched, marking a significant step in Sharjah’s efforts to preserve the Arabic language. It is the first AI-based platform dedicated to tracing the origins of Arabic vocabulary, involving easy search capabilities and quick access to linguistic information.
Participants underscored the importance of enhancing interactivity during panel discussions by incorporating tools like live polling, real-time Q&A sessions and audience feedback systems, for more insights on the subject. Hosting practical workshops, providing participants with hands-on experience to explore and interact with AI-powered linguistic technologies were recommended and also a call for the inclusion of more case studies from diverse regions — Europe, Africa and Asia — to deepen the understanding of how AI can be utilised to manage linguistic diversity in different cultural contexts.
The focus was also on regional advancements in AI in the Arab world and a proposal for the introduction of a dedicated session to highlight regional innovations and stimulate greater interest in local developments. Participants suggested the publication of a special issue in a peer-reviewed journal, based on the research and discussions presented at the conference, for academic dialogue and to serve as a reference for future work in the fields of AI and linguistics.
The recommendations also spoke on the value of exploring the intersection between AI, psychology, education, and history, offering a broader perspective on the cognitive and cultural impacts of AI in language studies. Smaller breakout sessions following keynotes were suggested to allow deeper engagement with presented topics.