Topical Collection on "Navigating Linguistic Challenges in Higher Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence"

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2025

Leader Collection Editor:

Collection Editors:

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education has opened new avenues for research in linguistics. While AI has transformed language acquisition, instructional methods, and communication processes, it has also raised complex challenges. The implications of AI on linguistic pedagogy, academic writing, and multilingual education need to be critically examined to ensure that higher education systems adapt effectively while maintaining inclusivity and pedagogical integrity.

AI’s influence on education has been widely researched. Studies show that AI-driven language learning platforms such as Duolingo and Babbel offer personalized learning experiences, improving linguistic proficiency in students. However, AI's role in reshaping language practices in higher education, especially its influence on academic discourse and linguistic diversity, is underexplored. Some concerns include the dehumanization of language learning, over-reliance on machine translation, and how AI tools might alter academic writing conventions and the authenticity of student work.

In linguistic theory, research shows that AI can support second-language learners through adaptive feedback, automated essay scoring, and AI-powered writing assistants like Grammarly. However, these technologies also raise questions about linguistic accuracy, cognitive learning, and the role of human educators in AI-augmented environments. Additionally, the integration of AI into multilingual education raises concerns about the standardization of academic languages, potentially marginalizing non-native speakers and less widely spoken languages.

Aims of the Special Issue

This special issue aims to explore how AI reshapes linguistic education and communication in higher education. It seeks to address the opportunities and challenges AI presents to language teaching, academic writing, and multilingualism. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, this issue encourages contributors to examine AI’s impact on language diversity, communication standards, and the evolving role of human educators.

Topics Suitable for Publication:

Potential topics for this special issue include, but are not limited to:

• AI and Language Acquisition in Higher Education: Exploring AI-driven language learning platforms and their effectiveness compared to traditional methods.
• Linguistic Pedagogy in the AI Era: The role of AI in reshaping teaching methodologies and curriculum design for linguistics.
• AI and Multilingualism: Investigating how AI tools support or hinder multilingual education and language preservation.
• AI in Academic Writing: Impact of AI-based writing tools on academic discourse, originality, and plagiarism.
• Machine Translation in Higher Education: The pros and cons of using AI-driven translation tools in multilingual academic settings.
• AI and Language Policy in Academia: How AI might influence language standardization, especially regarding academic publishing and communication.
• Ethical Considerations in AI-assisted Language Learning: Addressing the ethical implications of relying on AI for language teaching, including issues of data privacy and bias.
• AI, Cognitive Learning, and Linguistic Diversity: Examining whether AI supports or undermines cognitive learning and linguistic diversity within universities.
• Linguistic Inclusivity in AI-powered Higher Education: How AI can either promote or threaten inclusivity, especially for students from non-native English-speaking backgrounds.

This special issue aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of AI's role in transforming linguistic practices within higher education. By examining AI’s impact on teaching, writing, and multilingual education, this collection will offer insights for educators, policymakers, and researchers, contributing to the ongoing discourse on the future of linguistics in an AI-driven world.

Keywords:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Language Learning
• Machine Translation
• Multilingualism
• AI Ethics

Tentative time-table for the call for papers:

Submissions open until : February 15th, 2025
Deadline for Manuscript Submission: February 15th, 2025

Manuscript Submission Information:

Please visit the Submissions Guidelines page before submitting a manuscript. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Manuscripts should be submitted online through the online manuscript submission and editorial system. Additionally, please include a cover letter specifying that the manuscript is intended for the Topical Collection "Navigating Linguistic Challenges in Higher Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence " when submitting it online. Manuscripts can be submitted until the submission deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal and will be listed together on the Topical Collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract can be sent to the sent to the relevant editor fls@bilpubgroup.com for announcement on this website.

The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 USD.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process.