Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Arabic Lexicography

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the role that artificial intelligence (AI) can play in the development of modern Arabic lexicography and to highlight the areas in which it can assist in advancing this important linguistic field. The study follows a descriptive-analytical approach and is divided into eight main sections, preceded by an introduction and a preface, and followed by a conclusion. The preface addresses the research terminology. The first section deals with the organization of lexical entries, while the second focuses on arranging their components. The third section examines the derivation of words from a single root. The fourth addresses the provision of supplementary lexicon services, and the fifth emphasizes adding images and illustrations to dictionaries. The sixth section focuses on etymology for words with diverse or unknown origins. The seventh deals with translating and standardizing new terms, and the eighth addresses correcting errors and improperly recorded words. The study concludes that developing modern Arabic dictionaries is essential to keep pace with the rapid advancements in other languages’ lexicography, both in quantity and quality, while preserving the status of the Arabic language and its lexicographical tradition. AI applications have significantly contributed to lexicography by enabling massive information storage, efficient searching, organizing entries, etymology, translation, and the inclusion of illustrative images. The study recommends digitizing all Arabic dictionaries, making them available as computer or mobile applications, and publishing them online.