More competent with AI
Boban Arsenijevic is convinced that automated translation programmes can make coexistence easier. The professor of Slavic linguistics is an expert in computational linguistics and is working to improve the skills of graduates.
"Even free AI systems facilitate access to information because they can translate content into a wide variety of languages. They are also always available and much faster and more efficient than humans," summarises Boban Arsenijevic.
The researcher himself is working on teaching such automated tools to speak correctly (see UNIZEIT 1/2020). He sees great added value in machines: "Artificial intelligence is capable of analysing large amounts of data, extracting patterns and making data-supported predictions. In this way, it enriches multilingualism in a way that we humans would not be able to achieve."
However, the Slavicist is not only training machines; the contemporary education of his students is just as important to him. In doing so, he emphasises the high value of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, data analysis and management skills.
To the Unizeit article (2024)
Is equal fair?
Right-wing populism envisages it as an ideal: a society in which everyone shares the same values and norms, according to which they judge what is right and wrong. Where "normal" is the measure of all things and there is no place for people with "different" needs and desires. But how does this concept fit in with the principle that all people are of equal value, enjoy equal rights and are entitled to the same standards? A thought experiment with philosopher Elias Moser.
To the Unizeit article (2023)
Anonymous ancient texts as promising sources
"We view ancient works through a very narrow lens. What has been preserved is mainly what was passed on in imperial and late antique schools and copied in the scriptoria of medieval monasteries," says Markus Hafner. However, this is only a small part of reality, which mainly reflects patriarchal society.
As part of a project for which he recently received a prestigious Starting Grant from the European Research Council, Hafner is working on anonymous texts such as graffiti, aphorisms and jokes. These reflect the diversity and colourfulness of antiquity and give space to voices that have not been heard before.
To the Unizeit article (2023)