Reviewing approaches employed in Arabic chatbots

Abstract

The field of chatbots has witnessed a remarkable evolution in recent years, marked by a transition from simplistic rule-based structures to sophisticated systems employing advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques. While most languages benefit from NLP support, the majority of chatbot research and development has been conducted in English, leaving a notable scarcity of comparable works in Arabic. This scarcity is attributed to the myriad challenges posed by the linguistically intricate nature of Arabic, encompassing orthographic variations and diverse dialects. This study systematically reviews articles that represent implementations of Arabic chatbots, revealing a discernible shift from rule-based frameworks to the predominant adoption of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods. The results highlight the dynamic trajectory of chatbot technology, with a notable emphasis on the pivotal role of DL, as evidenced by a significant peak in 2023. Looking forward, the study anticipates a more sophisticated future for chatbot development, driven by ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and NLP, offering valuable insights into the current state of Arabic chatbot research and laying the foundation for continued exploration in this evolving and dynamic field.