The term "artificial intelligence" (sztuczna inteligencja) has been selected as the Polish "Word of the Year" for 2023, as announced by an academic committee led by the University of Warsaw. This marks the 13th year of the contest. In a parallel online poll, "elections" (wybory) emerged as the top choice among internet users.
In the official selection, "artificial intelligence" led the list, followed by "elections" and then "inflation" (inflacja) and "female MP" (posłanka) tying for third place. Online, "elections" took the top spot, with "artificial intelligence" in second and "inflation" in third.
Notable Linguistics professor Jerzy Bralczyk commented on the evolution of the word "artificial" in the Polish language. He observed that in the 19th century, "artificial" was associated with art and craftsmanship, signifying quality and skill. However, its contemporary usage often implies something non-natural or even insincere. Bralczyk suggested this linguistic emphasis could protect us from overreliance on artificial intelligence, pointing to the superiority of natural intelligence.
He also remarked on the lack of a concise Polish abbreviation for "artificial intelligence." The English acronym "AI" (Artificial Intelligence) doesn't easily translate into Polish, and another option, "SI" (symbolizing silicon), is also unlikely to be adopted, although it does directly reflect the Polish term "sztuczna inteligencja."
Professor Marian Bugajski, a linguist at the University of Zielona Góra, reflected on the growing presence and acceptance of artificial intelligence in the media and a broader public discourse, highlighting both the wide-spread curiosity and a corresponding concern about the future, which it also engenders.
(rt/pm)
Source: IAR, PAP, Nauka w Polsce
