Dr. Naji AlQbailat

We are living in a time where the old ways of learning are changing fast. Knowledge is not just locked away in dusty lecture halls or behind the ivy-covered walls of elite universities anymore. Today, the world's best schools are like digital orchestras, using AI to personalize learning for every student and sharing their stories and ideas on a global stage. The information is literally at our fingertips.

This shift means it is time for a linguistic revolution in Jordan's higher education. It is a call to action for the universities presidents, deans, and policymakers who are shaping the country's future. The new language of the 21st century is what we call Lingua Digital, and mastering it is the key to transforming Jordan from a strong regional player into a worldwide leader in education.

Jordan sits at a fascinating crossroads, blending ancient history with a bold, futuristic vision. For us, mastering Lingua Digital is not just a nice upgrade. It is the essential tool for unlocking innovation, boosting our economy, and creating unparalleled knowledge exchange. This article dives into what this means for Jordan's academic world, highlights real-world success stories that show the way, and amplifies the voices demanding change. The goal? To position Jordan to lead the Arab world's digital renaissance.

The term "Lingua Digital" was coined in academic circles to describe how communication is changing in our hyper-connected world. Simply put, it is the diverse set of skills you need to navigate, create, and innovate in digital spaces.

It goes far beyond just traditional language. It includes the language of code (Understanding the basics of programming), the structure of data visualization (Being able to tell a story with numbers and charts), and the rhetoric of virtual collaboration (Knowing how to work effectively with people online).

The concept grew out of studies on complexity and chaos theory, and linguist Hilal Peker suggested that English itself is evolving into a "lingua digital", a universal language woven into algorithms, social media, and AI interfaces. This makes global conversations more accessible, but it also demands a new set of skills from all of us.

Lingua Digital impacts the education and economy systems. In the classroom, it shows up everywhere: Students using AI tools for cutting-edge research, immersive online platforms that simulate real-life professional scenarios, and scholars strategically using platforms like LinkedIn to build their presence and share their work.

Economically, this fluency is a powerful engine. A 2024 Springer analysis found that digitally literate graduates in the Middle East contribute up to 15% more to GDP through higher productivity and entrepreneurial ventures.

For universities, the choice is clear: ignore this new language and risk falling behind, or embrace it and open the door to exciting partnerships with innovators in Silicon Valley or European research groups, turning academic notes into sources of funding.

The consequences of the post-pandemic world make this an urgent matter. UNESCO predicts that by 2030, a staggering 85% of jobs will require digital skills. Yet, the unfortunate reality is that only about 40% of Arab youth currently possess them. Lingua Digital is the bridge to close this gap, allowing our educators to actively shape the future rather than just talking about it.

Jordan is perfectly positioned to seize this opportunity. With a young population, over 60% are under 30, and a rapidly expanding tech sector, Lingua Digital can be a strategic national tool. However, a survey of 36 early-career academics revealed a challenge: while 86% see the benefits of digital tools, infrastructure issues and resistance to change are slowing down widespread adoption.

Jordanian universities have the power to overcome these hurdles by making digital fluency a core part of their mission.
Imagine this as a vision for Jordan’s academic future:

-University leaders make AI literacy a priority, teaching students to use tools like AI tools for developing research hypotheses or block chains for secure academic credentials.

-Universities presidents champion blended learning models, using virtual reality to bring Amman's incredible archaeological sites to a global audience, fostering cultural exchange.

-Policymakers at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research fund training that transforms faculty from content consumers into powerful creators who publish open-access journals or host engaging TEDx-style webinars.

This kind of fluency dramatically boosts our international standing. Institutions excelling in digital transformation saw a 25% rise in international collaborations and improved rankings on global lists like QS or Times Higher Education.

najimq1@bau.edu.jo