Welcome
I am Shamal Abdullah, a doctoral researcher in Computational Linguistics at the University of Arizona and an Assistant Lecturer in the English Language Department at Soran University, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
My work connects linguistics and technology. I study how people use and learn language, build digital tools for learners and teachers, and look at the responsible use of AI in education.
Research interests: Computational Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, AI in Education, Responsible AI, Language Learning and Technology.
Details
Shamal Abdullah is an Assistant Lecturer at Soran University, specialising in English linguistics. His research looks at learner errors, corpus analysis, and digital tools for language learning.
Research vision
To explore where linguistics meets technology and create tools and methods that make language learning more accessible. Data-driven studies of language patterns, such as errors, usage and phraseology, help produce solutions for learners and teachers.
Skills and tools
- Research: AntConc, LancsBox, NVivo, corpus analysis
- Platforms: Moodle (advanced), Blackboard, Canvas
- Web: Joomla CMS, web design and development
- Office and media: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data visualization, Camtasia
Languages
- Kurdish (Sorani): native
- Kurdish (Kurmanji): advanced
- English: fluent
- Arabic: intermediate
Modules taught
General English, Translation and Interpretation, English in Digital Era, Syntax, Basics of Computational Linguistics, Textual Analysis, Academic Skills, Sociolinguistics, Writing and Short Story.
Academic service
- Peer reviewer, Computer Assisted Language Learning (Taylor & Francis), since Feb 2024
- Peer reviewer, Per Linguam (Stellenbosch University), since Jun 2025
- Panelist, International Conference on Education & Teaching (ICET-2024), 28 Oct 2024
- Volunteer member, Translators Without Borders, since Jun 2021
Education
| Year | Qualification | Institution |
|---|
| In progress | PhD in Computational Linguistics | University of Arizona, USA |
| 2020 | MA in English Language and Linguistics | Soran University, Iraq |
| 2012 | BA in English Language | Soran University, Iraq |
MA thesis: A Corpus-Based Study of Linguistic Errors in Non-Native Academic Works at Public Universities in Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Certifications
- Professional Pedagogical Training Course, HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences, Finland (2023 to 2024)
- CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python, Harvard University via edX (in progress)
- Professional Course on Corpus Linguistics, Lancaster University via FutureLearn (2019 to 2020)
Publications
Seven peer-reviewed articles published, two under review.
- Saadi, P.Y., Abdullah, S.A., & Kakamad, K.K. (2026). Investigating teachers' readiness for revolutionizing education with artificial intelligence: Private school teachers as an example. Journal of Education and Teaching, 7(2), 465-482.
- Muhamad, S.S., Abdullah, A.A., Beitollahi, H., Abdullah, S.A., Shahab, R.S., & Zrar, A.D. (2025). An ensemble-based model for sentiment analysis of Kurdish tweets. ARO-The Scientific Journal of Koya University, 13(2), 349-358.
- Saadi, P.Y., & Abdullah, S.A. (2024). Exploring the effects of a keyboard prediction tool on Kurdish University EFL learners' spelling competence. Per Linguam, 40(2), 112-129.
- Ibrahim, S.Q.F., & Abdullah, S.A. (2024). Student-centered method in the higher education system of the Kurdistan Region: Soran University as an example. Journal of Education and Teaching, 5(2), 248-270. DOI
- Awla, F.G., Safar, S.R., Ade, J.H., & Abdullah, S.A. (2023). Investigation of the impact of technology on written production of EFL learners in Iraqi Kurdistan. Journal of Language Studies, 6(4, 2), 95-104. DOI
- Abdullah, S.A., Mustafa, R.M., Abdullah, I.A., Muhammad, H.A., & Ahmed, S.I. (2022). Difficulties in translating Kurdish sport collocations into English by Kurdish translators. Twejer, 5(3), 1275-1314. Link
- Abdullah, S.A., & Muhammad, H.A. (2020). Spelling errors in MA theses by non-native English speakers in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A corpus-based study. Twejer Journal, 3(1), 1007-1036. Link
Book translation
Muhammad, H.A., Najim, S.H., Abdullah, S.A., & Ghafour, S.A. (2022). 2000 tips for teachers. Fam Publishing, Erbil, Iraq.
Conference
Abdullah, S.A., & Bazvand, A.D. (2018). A contrastive corpus-based analysis of epistemic modality in academic discourse by native and non-native English writers. 16th International TELLSI Conference on Futurology of English Language.
Profiles
Google Scholar |
ResearchGate |
ORCID |
Web of Science
