CULTURALLY-AWARE AI FOR UZBEK LANGUAGE EDUCATION: VALUES AND ORAL TRADITIONS

This paper explores developing culturally-aware AI models for Uzbek language education, emphasizing the integration of national values and oral traditions. Traditional language learning often neglects crucial cultural nuances, leading to proficient but culturally inept speakers. We argue that AI in language education must embed cultural understanding into its core, moving beyond homogenous datasets that risk bias. The text highlights Uzbek's rich linguistic and cultural landscape, rooted in values like hospitality and oral heritage (proverbs, epics). It outlines approaches for integrating these elements into AI through cultural annotation, knowledge graphs, and interactive modules. Challenges like data scarcity and algorithmic bias are discussed, alongside ethical considerations and evaluation frameworks to ensure authentic, effective, and culturally sensitive AI-powered language learning.