Sharjah Ruler Unveils AI-Driven “GPT Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language” at SICAL

Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the "GPT Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" project at the First Sharjah International Conference on AI and Linguistics (SICAL), hosted by the American University of Sharjah. The launch, attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, underscores Sharjah's commitment to advancing the Arabic language through cutting-edge technology. According to Emirates News Agency, the event was a collaborative effort between the Emirates Scholar Centre for Research and Studies (ESCRS) and the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah. The conference, featuring over 50 prominent figures from various sectors including education, technology, and culture, highlighted the convergence of artificial intelligence and linguistic studies. H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan emphasized the importance of integrating modern technologies with linguistic heritage to foster a better understanding and preservation of the Arabic langua ge. He pointed out the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in cultural and linguistic contexts. During the event, attendees were presented with a detailed visual presentation on the AI-enabled GPT Dictionary. This digital tool is designed to be a comprehensive resource for the historical and etymological study of the Arabic language, offering features tailored to enhance user interaction and accessibility. Dr. Firas Habbal, along with Dr. Fawaz Habbal and Dr. Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, introduced several innovative features of the dictionary. One such feature, "Tahawar Ma'ie," allows non-native speakers to interact with the dictionary in an auditory manner, choosing voices that aid in the correct pronunciation of Arabic terms. Another feature, "Visual Expression," caters to the preferences of social media users by enabling the creation of visual and auditory content directly from the dictionary's entries. Dr. Amhamed Safi Al-Mosteganemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy, stresse d the importance of making the dictionary accessible not just to native speakers but also to a global audience. He highlighted the dictionary's role in supporting educational curricula and promoting the Arabic language in the digital age. The "GPT Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language" represents a significant milestone in the use of AI for linguistic preservation and education. It provides access to over 20 million Arabic terms and integrates various features to facilitate both academic research and casual exploration of the language. The dictionary not only serves as a resource for understanding the rich history of Arabic but also as a tool for ongoing linguistic education and research, promoting the use of the Arabic language in contemporary applications and helping to secure its future in the digital realm.