On November 7, 2024, the Department of Sindhi Language and Literature at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad, in collaboration with the Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering, successfully hosted an international conference on the theme of “Computational Linguistics and Sindhi Language”. The conference aimed to explore the intersection of technology and linguistic studies, particularly focusing on the Sindhi language in the context of artificial intelligence.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The conference commenced with an inaugural session chaired by the distinguished linguist, Professor Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio, while the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Engineer Professor Dr. Madad Ali Shah, served as the main host. The event attracted a wide array of notable guests, including former Federal Education Minister Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi and Mr. Mukhtar Ali Abro, Deputy Commissioner of Dadu.
Prominent speakers at the event included Honorable Abdul Majid Bhurgri, the pioneer of Sindhi computing, along with Mr. Amar Fayaz Buriro, Director of the Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering, Dr. Azhar Ali Shah, Dr. Mazhar Ali Dootio, and Dr. Ayaz Keerio.
During the session, Dr. Mazhar Ali Dootio provided an insightful overview of the software he developed for Sindhi language processing. Dr. Azhar Ali Shah delved into his research on Sindhi script morphology and sound recognition, while Dr. Ayaz Keerio presented a research paper on the phonetic aesthetics of the Sindhi language.
Advancements in Sindhi Computing and AI Integration
Honorable Abdul Majid Bhurgri and Mr. Amar Fayaz Buriro highlighted the significant progress made in integrating the Sindhi language into the digital realm. They emphasized that the inclusion of Sindhi in AI platforms like ChatGPT represents a vital step towards preserving and promoting the language in the modern world. The Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute, established by the Sindh government’s Culture Department, is leading this effort by conducting awareness workshops across universities in Sindh, which has proven to be a revolutionary move in enhancing Sindhi’s presence in computing.
Emotional Tribute from Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio
A touching moment in the conference came when Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio, former chairman of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, expressed profound gratitude for the advancements in Sindhi computational linguistics. Overcome with emotion, he reflected on the journey from dreams to reality and remarked that his joy was beyond words, humorously adding that it made him want to dance like Trumpp! His heartfelt appreciation moved the audience, demonstrating the deep passion shared by scholars for Sindhi language preservation.
Dr. Bughio also praised the research presented during the session and proposed that dedicated degree programs should be established to further develop the fields of Sindhi literature and linguistics.
Vision for the Future: Center of Excellence for Sindhi Linguistics
In his concluding remarks, the Patron-in-Chief of the conference, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Madad Ali Shah, expressed his enthusiasm for computational linguistics, despite his primary research focus on satellite communications and cybersecurity. Inspired by the conference, he announced his intention to actively contribute to research efforts in Sindhi language processing. He also revealed plans to establish a Center of Excellence for Computational Linguistics at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Nawabshah. This initiative aims to promote continuous research and educational activities, ensuring the Sindhi language’s growth and integration into the digital era.
Technical Sessions and Poetry Recital
Following the inaugural session, the conference featured five technical sessions where 27 research papers were presented, covering various aspects of computational linguistics and language technology. The event concluded with a poetry recital, celebrating the beauty of Sindhi poetry. Renowned poets, along with scholars, students, and enthusiasts, participated, creating an atmosphere filled with literary appreciation.
The conference marked a significant milestone in the journey toward the computational evolution of the Sindhi language. It demonstrated a collaborative effort among scholars, researchers, and institutions to embrace modern technological advancements, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of Sindhi in the digital age.
Recognition of Chairman & Secretary of the Conference
The Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering would like to extend heartfelt recognition to Dr. Phulloo Sundar Meghwar and Prof. Dr. Syed Ameer Ali Shah, Chairman of the department. Their unwavering dedication, tireless efforts, and visionary leadership were instrumental in making this international conference a resounding success. Their commitment to advancing the study of Sindhi computational linguistics has led to highly fruitful outcomes, furthering the language’s presence in the digital realm.
In addition, the contributions of the students of the Sindhi department, who volunteered throughout the event, deserve special acknowledgment. Their enthusiasm, hard work, and seamless coordination played a crucial role in bringing this conference to life, turning a shared dream into a remarkable reality.