ICCSAL 2025: Digital Humanities and AI for Sustainable Language, Literary, and Cultural Education

The 6th International Conference on Cultural Studies and Applied Linguistics (ICCSAL 2025), organized by Faculty of Languages and Arts, Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), concluded with remarkable success. Taking place on July 26, 2025, via Zoom, this international academic forum brought together scholars, educators, and digital practitioners under the theme “Digital Humanities and AI in Sustainable Language, Literary, and Cultural Education.” The conference aimed to critically explore how AI and digital technologies are reshaping the ways we teach, communicate, and preserve cultural knowledge in increasingly global and digital societies.

ICCSAL 2025 featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Dr. Raqib Chowdhury from Monash University, Dr. Raichle ‘Rai’ Farrelly from Colorado University, and Prof. Aquarini Priyatna from Universitas Padjadjaran. Each shared valuable insights on digital equity in education, multilingual AI-assisted learning, ethical digital research practices, and cultural storytelling through emerging media. 

Participants had the opportunity to engage in diverse and dynamic panel discussions, such as “AI, Big Data, and Sustainable Communication,” “Digital Heritage and Cultural Preservation,” and “The Ethics of AI and Digital Humanities Research.” These sessions encouraged critical thinking and collaboration among international and Indonesian academics, offering a fresh take on how digital innovation can serve—not replace—humanistic values. The conference also emphasized the role of global citizenship and digital diplomacy in bridging cultural gaps.