Participants in the seminar organised over two days by the Higher School of Teachers in Fez, the Moroccan Association for the Service of the Arabic Language (Fez branch), and the National Coalition for the Arabic Language in Morocco under the title: "The Arabic Language in Light of the Challenges of the Digital Age and Artificial Intelligence", reviewed a group of new research and studies on the subject, while presenting working papers that contribute to enriching knowledge about the Arabic language.
During the meeting, researchers discussed a number of scientific topics, including: the Arabic language and digital education, the role of digital educational media in teaching and learning the Arabic language, technical challenges and ways to improve artificial intelligence techniques in developing and spreading the Arabic language, the role of cultural institutions, and the aesthetics of the Arabic language between artistic authenticity and artificial intelligence technology.
In an opening speech, the Vice President of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, in charge of scientific research and cooperation, Mustapha Hadrami, confirmed that the university supports scientific research through various axes, including the mobility of professors and student researchers, the purchase of scientific equipment, and support for the innovation centre.
He stressed that with the development of modern technologies and their impact on human daily life, it is necessary to work on valuing, supporting, and developing the Arabic language to be in its rightful place, and to think about mechanisms to support scientific research and publish it in the Arabic language.
In turn, the Director of the Higher School of Teachers in Fez, Ali Hitouf, confirmed in a speech on the occasion that the Arabic language carries within it an ancient history and a rich culture, as this language constitutes an identity, culture, and civilisation, and it is the language of the Quran, science, and literature, which must be preserved and its use promoted in all walks of life.
He noted that in the midst of the era of technology and innovation, the world today faces new challenges imposed by artificial intelligence tools, which have become an integral part of the individual's daily life, which requires thinking about the possibilities of enhancing the use of the Arabic language and developing it.
In turn, the Head of the ICESCO Centre for the Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers, affiliated with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO), Magdi Hajj Ibrahim, recalled in a speech on the occasion the cultural and scientific programmes and events launched by the organisation to support the Arabic language and enhance its use, especially through the employment of artificial intelligence techniques.
The Head of the ICESCO Centre pointed out that artificial intelligence does not represent a magic solution to the challenges of learning the Arabic language, as it is important to realise its limitations.
For his part, the Head of the Moroccan Association for the Service of the Arabic Language (Fez branch), Ahmed Al-Alawi Al-Abdallaoui, confirmed that the Arabic language is considered a global language with a civilisational identity and a cultural heritage from which humanity has benefited, which has had a clear impact on the culture of global languages.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the National Coalition for the Arabic Language in Morocco, Mohamed Belhassan, stressed the importance of concerted efforts so that the Arabic language can keep pace with the development and technological progress that the world is witnessing today.
The programme of the seminar, organised on the occasion of the celebration of the World Arabic Language Day, which falls on 18 December of each year, includes three scientific sessions, a workshop, and interactive lectures aimed at engaging the public and enhancing their interest in the Arabic language, in addition to highlighting the artistic works of students, which contributes to strengthening cultural understanding and enhancing their Arab identity.
