In brief
During a virtual lecture on November 5, 2026, the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) explored how artificial intelligence can translate the Najdi dialect while maintaining its cultural identity. The discussion, part of UNESCO’s Translating Cultures program, examined the balance between technological efficiency and preserving the dialect’s linguistic, social, and cultural meanings for future generations.
On November 5, 2026, a virtual lecture hosted by the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) in Riyadh addressed the challenging task of translating the Najdi dialect with artificial intelligence (AI) while safeguarding its cultural identity. The session, organized by KFCRIS’s UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures and supported by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, drew scholars and practitioners interested in the intersection of technology, language, and heritage preservation.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Dana Al‑Suhaim, an associate professor of Translation Studies at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. Her talk focused on the distinction between Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and local dialects, arguing that dialects are living repositories of cultural memory and not inferior linguistic variants. She highlighted that translating dialectal expressions into other languages requires more than linguistic equivalence; it demands a nuanced reconstruction of meaning that keeps the distinctive character of everyday speech intact.
Moderating the discussion was Dr. Arwa Al‑Mubaddal, an assistant professor at the College of Language Sciences, King Saud University. She guided the conversation through the practical implications of AI-driven translation tools for the Najdi dialect and the broader question of how such tools can respect sociocultural contexts.
Dr. Moneera Al‑Ghadeer, chairholder of KFCRIS’s UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures, opened the event by underscoring the evolving nature of translation in the 21st century. She emphasized that translation now encompasses linguistic, cultural, technological, and ethical dimensions, demanding a reassessment of traditional practices and an expanded role for human translators in shaping meaning across languages.
AI’s Potential and Limitations in Dialect Translation
The lecture delved into the capabilities of contemporary language models, noting both their transformative impact on translation workflows and the persistent gaps in capturing the social nuances embedded in dialects. Dr. Al‑Suhaim pointed out that while AI can efficiently translate literal meanings, it often struggles with idiomatic expressions, regional humor, and context-dependent references that are vital to preserving a dialect’s identity.
One of the central challenges discussed was the tendency of AI systems to “normalize” dialects toward MSA or other lexical standards, thereby erasing distinctive local features. The speakers acknowledged that without careful calibration, automated translation could inadvertently erode the linguistic markers that bind Najdi speakers to their heritage.
To address these concerns, the event highlighted several strategic approaches. First, the creation of curated dialectal corpora with annotated cultural markers can train AI models to recognize and preserve context-specific meanings. Second, collaboration between AI developers and native speakers can foster feedback loops that fine‑tune translations to reflect authentic usage patterns. Finally, the integration of human post‑editing steps ensures that subtle cultural references are not lost in the final product.
Dr. Al‑Mubaddal noted that the practical deployment of these strategies requires infrastructure support, including open-source datasets and community-driven annotation initiatives. Such collaborations would not only improve AI accuracy but also empower Najdi communities to maintain agency over how their language is represented in digital spaces.
UNESCO’s Translating Cultures Program and Community Impact
The virtual lecture was part of UNESCO’s Translating Cultures program, which aims to explore how emerging technologies can facilitate cultural understanding while respecting linguistic diversity. By focusing on the Najdi dialect—a cornerstone of Saudi cultural identity—the program underscores its commitment to preserving the intangible heritage of underrepresented linguistic communities.
Participants from the literature, publishing, and translation sectors expressed optimism that AI, when guided by cultural expertise, could enhance the reach of Najdi literature and oral histories worldwide. They emphasized that such efforts could support younger generations in connecting with their cultural roots, even as they engage in global digital communication.
While the event celebrated AI’s potential, it also raised ethical questions surrounding data ownership, consent, and the possible commodification of cultural expressions. The speakers urged practitioners to establish clear guidelines that protect community interests and ensure that benefits from AI‑mediated translation are shared equitably.
In closing, Dr. Al‑Suhaim called for continued interdisciplinary collaboration among linguists, technologists, and community advocates. She argued that only through joint stewardship can the Najdi dialect thrive, offering a model for how AI can serve as a tool for cultural preservation rather than a force of homogenization.
The KFCRIS lecture thus marked a pivotal conversation about the delicate balance between technological advancement and the safeguarding of linguistic diversity. It presented a framework for harnessing AI to translate the Najdi dialect in a manner that honors its sociolinguistic nuances while expanding its accessibility to the world.
