Jamshoro, March 19, 2025 – In a thought-provoking lecture titled “Sindhi Language in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” at the Dr. Abdul Jabbar Junejo Auditorium, University of Sindh, the Director of Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering, Amar Fayaz Buriro, emphasized the crucial role of digital transformation in preserving and promoting the Sindhi language. Addressing a diverse audience of scholars, linguists, and students, he stressed the need for Sindhi representation in global AI models and urged students to actively create digital content for this purpose.
The session was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Kambhati, with distinguished academic figures in attendance, including Dean Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Muhammad Khan Sangi, Chairman Sindhi Department Professor Dr. Noor Muhammad Shah, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr. Lachman Das Dhomeja, Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies Professor Dr. Hafiz Munir Ahmed Khan, and several renowned linguists and researchers.
Call for a Dedicated Sindhi Linguistics Department
Highlighting the challenges facing the Sindhi language, Amar Fayaz Buriro pointed out the academic misclassification of Sindhi linguistics and literature. He advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Sindhi linguistics department in universities, distinct from Sindhi literature, with a curriculum focusing on morphology, syntax, phonetics, semantics, and computational applications. This, he asserted, is vital to ensure the development of AI-driven language technologies such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and AI-based translation tools.
The Importance of Digital Content and AI Integration
Buriro underscored the necessity of systematically digitizing Sindhi linguistic data to develop AI-based tools like chatbots and speech assistants. He highlighted that while language preservation traditionally relied on publications and oral traditions, the modern era demands digital integration. Citing global linguistic trends, he warned that out of approximately 7,000 languages spoken worldwide today, futurologists predict only about 300 will survive into the next century. This makes the digitization of Sindhi all the more urgent.
Discussing AI’s potential, Buriro mentioned that Deep Seek has successfully developed a model for Sindhi, marking a significant step forward. Additionally, he revealed that the Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering is set to launch a chatbot dedicated to the poetry, philosophy, and life of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai on the Bhit.AI domain. This chatbot will provide users with immediate, authentic responses related to Bhittai’s literary and philosophical contributions.
Encouraging Youth Participation and Future Research
Encouraging students and young researchers, Buriro invited final-year students of the Sindhi Department to collaborate with the Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute, where they could refine their skills and contribute to groundbreaking linguistic research. He lamented the lack of research on the origins of Sindhi words and the psycholinguistics of the Sindhi language, urging scholars to fill this gap. Acknowledging the contributions of eminent linguists, he credited Siraj Memon for his work on Sindhi phonetics and Dr. Mohabbat Buriro for his research in morphology.
A Collaborative Effort for the Future
The lecture concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants expressed their concerns regarding the digital future of Sindhi. Buriro reiterated that collaboration among linguists, technologists, and Sindhi speakers is crucial for integrating the language into AI-driven innovations. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Khumbhati echoed this sentiment, stating that while books and academic chairs have traditionally preserved the language, the modern era necessitates a technology-driven approach.
Chairman Sindhi Department, Professor Dr. Noor Muhammad Shah, formally welcomed the guests and lauded Amar Fayaz Buriro’s efforts in advancing the Sindhi language through digital means. The session was expertly conducted by Dr. Rehana Mallah, with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Professor Nazar Hussain Chandio. Renowned artist Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Khan enriched the gathering by performing the kalam of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, leaving the audience deeply inspired.
With this lecture, Abdul Majid Bhurgri Institute of Language Engineering reaffirms its commitment to the digital preservation and promotion of the Sindhi language, ensuring its rightful place in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and modern linguistics.
