Language Sustainability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This essay examines the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and language and literature education, addressing both the potential benefits and the ethical, cultural, and pedagogical challenges posed by AI within a holistic framework that seeks to capture the profound epistemological and political transformations triggered by this technological revolution. As the pace of adoption of AI-driven tools accelerates in language and literature education, growing concerns arise about its impact on learner autonomy, intercultural competence, the concept of authorship, and the preservation of minoritized languages, among other issues. AI is also redefining traditional subjects of study and the methods used to teach them. In this context, the essay advocates for the renewal of theoretical frameworks for language and literature and offers recommendations for educators, universities, governments, and communities, calling for a collaborative approach that ensures AI enhances rather than undermines educational and linguistic diversity. By co-developing AI tools and fostering open, transdisciplinary networks, key stakeholders can help shape a future where AI supports literary study and creation, language teaching, and linguistic preservation, while upholding the principles of equity and inclusion.