Artificial Intelligence or Industrial Intelligence?

Author: المهندس طارق جلال التميمي

In light of a significant technological acceleration, the term (artificial intelligence) has become a term that we use and hear daily. Unfortunately, we have recently noticed some individuals using the term "industrial" instead of "artificial." Is this correct? Is there a difference between them? This conceptual confusion is not merely an academic matter but extends to affect our understanding of this very important technology and how we deal with it. Perspectives on this matter vary widely. Some see the two terms as synonymous, while others insist on the existence of substantial differences between them. Amidst this discussion, serious attempts are emerging to unify the terms and present innovative linguistic solutions that align with the rapid developments. In this article, we will dive deep into this topic, explore the roots of the problem, and analyze the linguistic and conceptual differences between "industrial intelligence" and "artificial intelligence."

We will also shed light on the different viewpoints, review the proposed solutions, and provide a practical guide to help you understand the nuances between the two terms and use each in its correct context. Our goal is to equip you with a comprehensive and deep understanding of this topic, correct common misconceptions, and enable you to use the Arabic language accurately and confidently in the era of artificial intelligence.

When the concept of "Artificial Intelligence" emerged in the mid-twentieth century about 70 years ago, the term was first used by John McCarthy in the 1950s. Arab translators faced a challenge in finding an accurate equivalent for artificial intelligence in the Arabic language. The word "Artificial" can be translated as "صناعي" (industrial) or "اصطناعي" (artificial), each with a different linguistic meaning. This diversity in translation has led to the emergence of different terms to express the same concept, creating a state of confusion and ambiguity. The media and non-specialized translation have contributed to exacerbating the problem, as the two terms have been used interchangeably without regard for the differences between them. As a result, it has become common to find individuals using the terms "الذكاء الصناعي" (industrial intelligence) and "الذكاء الاصطناعي" (artificial intelligence) to refer to the same thing or even using them in writing, reinforcing this confusion in the public's mind. To eliminate this ambiguity, it is essential to analyze each term separately from a linguistic and conceptual perspective. This analysis will uncover the subtle differences that distinguish each term from the other and help us understand why one term may be preferred over the other in scientific and academic contexts.

1. Artificial Intelligence: The Most Accurate and Common

Linguistic Analysis:

The term artificial intelligence is the most accepted and widely used in Arab academic and scientific circles. It consists of two words: intelligence and artificial. The word "artificial" is derived from the verb "اصطنع" (to create or fabricate), which means to make something and innovate it without a prior example. This meaning aligns perfectly with the concept of artificial intelligence, which is intelligence created by humans, programmed to simulate human cognitive abilities.

Conceptual Analysis:

The term artificial intelligence refers to a broad field of computer science aimed at creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and decision-making. This concept is not limited to industrial applications but extends to various fields such as natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, and neural networks. As noted by the "Masar for Research" website, the word "artificial" is the most precise in expressing the intelligence possessed by machines, as it refers to what is fabricated or programmed to simulate human capabilities. This is also confirmed by the Total translation company, which clarifies that artificial intelligence means intelligence that does not come from a living being.

2. Industrial Intelligence: An Inaccurate Term

Linguistic Analysis:

The term industrial intelligence consists of two words: intelligence and industrial. The word "industrial" is derived from the industry and refers to everything related to production and manufacturing in factories. Thus, this term implies that this type of intelligence is limited only to industrial applications, which is not true.

Conceptual Analysis:

Conceptually, the term industrial intelligence is inaccurate and misleading. It restricts the concept of artificial intelligence to only one of its applications, which is the industrial aspect. This entirely disregards the vast other fields where artificial intelligence is utilized, such as medicine, education, finance, entertainment, and others. As indicated by the Omnia website, industrial intelligence is about intelligence converted from one form to another, and it's the process of extracting raw materials and transforming them into usable materials. Although this definition is correct in its context, it does not express the comprehensive concept of artificial intelligence.

The debate about the more suitable term is not just a linguistic debate; it reflects different perspectives on how to understand and Arabicize this new concept. These perspectives vary between academic opinion, linguistic opinion, and practical usage in various institutions.

1. Academic Opinion: Between Synonymy and Distinction

In academic circles, we find a divergence of opinions. The Hirah Scientific Journal, for example, believes that at the conceptual level, there is no substantial difference between the two terms, as both express the ability of systems to simulate human intelligence. However, it ultimately prefers to use artificial intelligence as it is more prevalent and precise. On the other hand, Masar for Research adopts a more decisive position, stating that the term industrial intelligence is inaccurate and that "artificial" is the more accurate description of the intelligence possessed by machines. This view is supported by the majority of recent research and specialized dictionaries that tend towards using the more comprehensive term, with which most writers and experts in the subject agree.

2. Linguistic Opinion: Precision in Expression

From a purely linguistic perspective, the debate focuses on linguistic roots and precision of expression. As mentioned earlier, the word "artificial" is derived from "اصطنع," carrying the meaning of innovation and creativity in manufacture, which aligns with the essence of artificial intelligence. In contrast, the word "industrial" is associated with industry and manufacturing, which restricts the concept to just one aspect. Therefore, linguists view "artificial intelligence" as the term most compatible with the rules of the Arabic language and its ability to express new concepts accurately. It does not merely describe manufactured intelligence but rather intelligence that has been innovated and designed to mimic human cognitive capabilities.

3. Practical Usage: "Artificial" Clarifies the Position

In practice and practical usage, we find the balance tilting in favor of "artificial intelligence." Major government institutions in the Arab world, such as the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have officially adopted this term in all their initiatives and projects related to this field. Prestigious universities and research centers also use the term "artificial intelligence" in their curricula and scientific research. Even major media outlets have increasingly begun to use this term, recognizing the importance of accuracy and scientific alignment. This trend towards unifying practical usage reflects a growing awareness of the importance of using the correct term, contributing to establishing a precise and clear concept of artificial intelligence in the Arabic language.

The simplest and most realistic solution is to officially and uniformly adopt the term artificial intelligence across all scientific, media, and educational circles. This solution is based on several strong justifications:

•    Precision and comprehensiveness: As previously explained, this term is the most accurate in expressing the comprehensive concept of artificial intelligence.

•    Commonality and prevalence: It is the most used term in prestigious government and academic institutions, which facilitates the process of unification.

•    Clarity and avoidance of ambiguity: Adopting it as a unified term will eliminate the current state of confusion and provide a common and clear language for all.

•    Although this solution may seem ideal, it might face some resistance from those accustomed to using other terms. However, over time, it can become the prevailing standard.

Artificial Intelligence: is the most accurate and comprehensive term, referring to the innovative and designed intelligence to simulate human capabilities. It is the most common in academic and official circles. On the other hand, industrial intelligence: is an inaccurate term that restricts the concept to industrial applications only. Its use is rare. Accordingly, the future direction clearly leans towards solidifying the use of "artificial intelligence" as a unified and standardized term in the Arabic language.

In concluding this article, we reiterate the importance of standardizing scientific and technical terms in the Arabic language. Language is a vessel of thought, and precision in language is the basis of precise thought. The debate surrounding "industrial intelligence" and "artificial intelligence" is but one example of the challenges our language faces in the era of globalization and technology. The efforts made to unify terms deserve all appreciation and encouragement. They contribute to enhancing the Arabic language's ability to absorb new concepts and express them precisely and profoundly, ensuring it a respectable place among the world's languages. We call, in conclusion, for further research and discussion on this topic and for concerted efforts among linguists, scientists, translators, and media professionals to build a unified Arabic dictionary for technical terms. This is the path toward a bright linguistic future, where the Arabic language can keep pace with scientific and technological developments, capable of carrying the message of knowledge and science to future generations. A message to every speaker, whether in media or on conference platforms, to never use the term industrial at all to refer to this important development.