Sharjah: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the University of Sharjah (UOS) is set to organise the second Sharjah International Conference on the Arabic Language next Wednesday, February 4th. The conference, titled 'Artificial Intelligence in the Service of the Arabic Language: Creativity, Education, and Research,' will gather researchers and specialists from more than 28 countries to discuss the potential of smart technologies in supporting Arabic language education, scientific research, and linguistic creativity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is organised as part of UOS's mission to bolster the Arabic language, enhance its role in higher education and scientific research, and keep pace with technological and knowledge advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence. The conference aims to develop tools for teaching the Arabic language, broaden scientific research horizons, and stimulate creativity in language and literature.
The conference will feature scientific sessions focusing on the relationship between artificial intelligence and the Arabic language. Discussions will cover issues related to teaching and learning Arabic in both general and higher education, leveraging smart technologies in Arabic scientific research, ethical challenges, and the analysis of classical and colloquial Arabic texts using artificial intelligence tools.
The conference has seen significant research interest, with nearly 100 researchers from over 28 countries submitting papers. After a thorough peer review process, 60 research papers were accepted for presentation. These will be delivered in various scientific sessions, including main and parallel sessions, along with specialised workshops.
Dr Mariam Balajid, Head of the Scientific, Advisory, and Organising Committees of the conference, stated that the event targets faculty members, researchers, university students, and professionals in academic, educational, and research institutions. It also focuses on individuals working in the ministries of education and higher education across the UAE, the Arab world, and globally. She highlighted the conference's role as a comprehensive platform for scientific dialogue and expertise exchange.
Balajid also mentioned the introduction of the "Sharjah International Award for Best Artificial Intelligence Application Serving the Arabic Language," aimed at promoting innovative projects and applied solutions in areas like natural language processing, smart education, translation, text analysis, and Arabic content creation. The award winners will be announced and honoured during the conference's opening ceremony.
Dr Badia Al-Hashemi, Head of the Department of Arabic Language and Literature at UOS, emphasized the conference's growing importance as a leading scientific platform that merges academic, cultural, and developmental aspects. Its outcomes, including recommendations and initiatives, aim to support decision-makers and researchers, enhance the Arabic language's presence, and ensure its future sustainability, aligning with Sharjah's cultural role in promoting the Arabic language and humanities.
The conference seeks to showcase exemplary initiatives and experiences utilizing artificial intelligence for the Arabic language, encourage innovation and leadership, promote language sustainability amid digital transformations, and update educational curricula for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers in line with advancements in smart education technologies.