Sharjah is set to redefine the handling of access and understanding of the Arabic language with the historical dictionary GPT, which the emirate is set to release in 2025. The launch comes as a sequel to a new Historical Arabic Dictionary which is to be released later this September. The new interface will put up more than 20 million Arabic words spread out in 127 volumes. The new tool enables the users to interact with the dictionary in an interactive, chat-like way, rather like a servant will provide and in that way make it easier for people to figure out the richness of Arabic linguistic history.
Beyond being a reference of international scope, the Historical Dictionary GPT bridges cultures-the richness of Arabic thought, culture, and law-to Arabic and non-Arabic audiences. In the words of Muhammad Hassan Khalaf, member of the Board of Trustees of the Arabic Language Academy: “This project is an Arab initiative that transcends borders. It enriches Arabic language and culture while offering new avenues for cultural exchange.”
The dictionary emerged from the result of the work of more than 780 researchers and linguists, who spent seven years collecting and studying the historical word origin of Arabic. Secretary General of the Academy, Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi noted that using modern technologies, for example, AI, would relate better to the new generation.
The project was of great scope, involving immense co-op collaborative effort, despite the pandemic, which has been completed in a very short span of seven years. A million dollars have been invested in this development, and the Historical Arabic Dictionary and its GPT-based successor are going to become surely invaluable tools in preserving and promoting Arabic language all over the world.
