Title: Doing Language with AI: A linguist's response to ChatGPT
Speaker: Jieun Kiaer, University of Oxford
Location: Zoom, Password: IWL

Abstract
In this talk, I will examine the potential of ChatGPT and other hyperscale AI in language education. I will argue that interactive AI, like ChatGPT, can provide affordable resources to under-resourced populations and bring greater educational equity. I will emphasize the importance of educators engaging with and teaching pupils to explore learning through AI tools while ensuring student safeguarding. Additionally, I will highlight the limitations of hyperscale AI, like ChatGPT, in non-English settings but explain how, with training and guidance, ChatGPT can be harnessed to provide benefits beyond what existing platforms can offer. Furthermore, I will demonstrate how ChatGPT makes pragmatic translation of Asian languages possible, which is not yet attainable with other tools.

Bio
Professor Jieun Kiaer is the YBMK KF Professor of Korean Linguistics in the University of Oxford’s Asian and Middle Eastern Studies Faculty. She publishes widely on linguistics, Asian studies, and translation. Her recent research covers the future of human language, considering social media behaviours, big data, and AI linguistics. Wearing the hats of linguist, pragmatist, and Asian specialist, she is uniquely positioned to respond to the recent developments in AI, since to this date, hyperscale AIs are limited in dealing with pragmatic versatility and linguistic diversity. Relevant publications  include the following.

Pragmatic Particles: findings from Asian Languages (Bloomsbury, 2021)

Emoji Speak (Bloomsbury, forthcoming/June 2023)

The Future of Syntax: Asian Perspectives in an AI age (Bloomsbury, forthcoming/Nov 2023)

Please see her webpage https://www.orinst.ox.ac.uk/people/jieun-kiaer