IAUE Inaugural Lecturer Proposes Artificial Intelligence Linguistics as a New Discipline

Professor Mercy Olufunmilayo Adesanya of the Department of English and Communication Art, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) has proposed the establishment of Artificial intelligence Linguistics as a new discipline focusing on human computer interaction and natural language processing.

Speaking as the 57th inaugural Lecturer of the institution on Thursday July 25th, 2024 at the university auditorium on the topic “ Leveraging the Transformative Potentials of Language on Nigeria’s Societal Challenges”, Professor Adesanya opined that Artificial intelligence Linguistics would be a subfield of Applied Linguistics that would focus on Artificial intelligence, that is, the interaction between computers and human language.

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The Professor of Applied Linguistics informed that a full proposal for Artificial intelligence Linguistics as a branch of Applied Linguistics would involve enhancing human computer interaction through advanced natural language processing. Artificial intelligence she noted involved the development of Algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to process, understand and generate natural language data.

The intersection of Artificial intelligence and the Bible she explained would be an area of study with potential applications in fields like biblical scholarships, language translation and spiritual guidance. It would also explore the state of Artificial intelligence in relation to the bible including its uses, benefits and limitations.

Although Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance understanding and engagement with the bible, it is important to acknowledge it’s limitations and ensure responsible development and deployment according to her.

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She recommended general initiatives including establishing a multilingual resource centre or website for language education and support, suppsupport language preservation and revitalisation initiatives for minority languages, creating  a language and linguistics advisory board for constitutional review and language policy decisions, developing  a language education programme for legal and government professionals to improve communication, cultural competence, encouraging  interdisciplinary research and projects,  exploring  language, culture and social justice, organisation of workshops and conferences on language linguistics and social justice to raise awareness and promote dialogue, development of a language policy that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility and cultural sensitivity and collaboration with linguistics and legal experts to review and revise constitutional language for clarity and precision.

The Professor of Applied Linguistics emphasized that the recommendations for unveiling and leveraging the transformative potentials of language and linguistics for Nigeria’s societal challenges, changes and listening to audio bible can solve the problems of insecurity in Nigeria, offer practical solutions for harnessing the power of language and religion to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.

She further recommended the establishment of a national language policy to promote linguistics diversity and multilingualism, foster national unity and communication.

The 57th inaugural Lecturer avowed that language education programmes and documentation research will enhance language preservation and teaching noting that utilising linguistics in addressing social issues like hate speech and conflict resolution will promote peace and understanding.

Similarly, integrating audio bible listening into community programmes and developing contextual content addressing insecurity and peace building will offer spiritual guidance and solace. The Ira, Kwara State born Princess affirmed that establishing listening groups and partnering with religious leaders will amplify the impact with monitoring and evaluation to ensure effectiveness. Interdisciplinary approaches, combining language, linguistics and religion will offer comprehensive solutions she noted.

Mrs Adesanya  stressed the importance of leveraging technology,  Community engagement, interdisciplinary approaches to address Nigeria’s societal challenges. By implementing the recommendations made, she  declared that the country will harness the power of language to build a more inclusive, equitable and just society. The recommendations according to her, offer a roadmap for unlocking the transformative potentials of language and linguistics.

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These suggestions if implemented she disclosed can harness the power of language and religion to build a more United, peaceful and prosperous nation.

The Ira Kwara State born Princess explained that these suggestions aim to promote language awareness, inclusivity and social justice and can be adapted to various contexts and communities.

Acknowledging that the audio bible increases accessibility and comprehension of the word of God, while linguists ensure that language is clear, inclusive and culturally sensitive, the Professor of Applied Linguistics stressed that the transformative potentials of language and linguistics hold vast promise for addressing Nigeria’s societal challenges and changes and that through indigenous languages, citizens can shape culture, bridge divides and foster understanding, that is to say that by leveraging linguistics, citizens can develop innovative solutions for education, Communication, social cohesion and individual fulfillment in the country.

Professor Mercy Olufunmilayo Adesanya highlighted the role of listening to  audio bible in promoting spiritual guidance, peace and understanding. While listening to the audio bible may not directly solve the problem of insecurity, it can inspire peaceful values, promote community building and encourage faith and trust in God according to the 57th inaugural Lecturer.

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The University Don urged all to embrace language and linguistics as powerful tools for transformation, develop context – specific solutions for Nigeria’s unique challenges, harness the audio bible’s potentials for spiritual growth and community building, collaborate across disciplines and sectors for sustainable impact.

She declared that in  togetherness, Nigeria can unlock the transformative potentials of language and linguistics to create a more United, peaceful and prosperous nation for all. By harnessing the power of language and linguistics she remarked that citizens can create a more just and equitable society where everyone has access to the word of God and the rights and protections enshrined in the constitution.

Declaring the event open, the Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE Professor Okechuku Onuchuku who was represented by the Dean Faculty of Humanities Professor Kingdom Eke Orji praised the inaugural Lecturer for addressing the topic and highlighted the need to use language as a tool to transform society and address insecurity problems, corruption, hardships, cultism and kidnapping.

He bemoaned the crisis rocking the country, reiterated that the narrative can change if we address people properly, avoid hate speeches to prevent the country from boiling further and embrace the Bible that preaches law, mercy, forgiveness.

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In a vote of thanks Professor Adokiye Adolphus Okujagu commended the 57th inaugural Lecturer for focusing on the transformative potentials of language and linguistics in addressing Nigeria’s Societal Challenges and promoting a more inclusive, equitable and just society.

He equally lauded  everyone who found time to attend the lecture and wished them safe journey back home.

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