Prof. Li Yuzhe of the Department of Japanese was invited by the National Institute for Japanese Language and Linguistics (NINJAL) to speak at a public symposium on “The Future of Dictionaries in the Age of Generative AI” on June 22, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. This symposium gathered top researchers in linguistics, lexicography, and language education from Japan and throughout the world to study the impact of artificial intelligence on dictionary creation and vocabulary learning.
Prof. Li presented “Can Generative AI Become the Ideal Dictionary?” and highlighted empirical findings from her latest study on how Japanese language learners use generative AI tools for vocabulary lookup. Based on case observations and learner reflections, she identified various usage patterns among learners of varying competence levels and underlined the significance of developing a critical, reflective attitude toward AI-generated output. Prof. Li also stated that, while AI opens new possibilities for language support, it should be handled with caution. “Students need to learn not to rely blindly on AI, but to think critically and make informed decisions,” she remarked.
The symposium was a turning point in the debate over the use of dictionaries and artificial intelligence in language learning. According to NINJAL, session materials will be made available to the public for future academic exchange and reference.
