Summary of Key Points
The development of AI technology has impacted the demand for traditional foreign language majors, and coupled with changes in the job market, many universities (including some top-tier institutions) have adjusted their programs by abolishing, merging, or renaming their foreign language colleges. At the same time, universities are generally shifting towards a more interdisciplinary approach to talent development to address these challenges.
Why Are Foreign Language Majors Losing Their Relevance? — AI and Changing Employment Requirements Are the Main Reasons
In the past, studying a foreign language led to stable career paths in fields such as translation, international trade, or education. However, with the advancement of AI translation tools like ChatGPT and DeepL, machine-based translation and interpretation tasks can be completed quickly and at lower costs. Professor Ding Changfa from Xiamen University notes that while AI affects various industries, foreign language majors are particularly impacted because the barriers to mastering pure language skills have been lowered.
Additionally, the job market has changed: companies now require professionals who not only speak a foreign language but also understand the relevant business context. For example, those working in cross-border e-commerce need to combine language skills with business knowledge, and those involved in international projects need to integrate language skills with technical expertise. This shift has compelled universities to adjust their foreign language programs.
How Are Universities Adjusting Their Foreign Language Colleges? — Three Common Approaches
Several examples are mentioned in the news, which can be summarized as follows:
1. Abolishing and Incorporating into Other Colleges: For instance, Guilin University of Information Technology abolished its School of Foreign Trade and Foreign Languages, with faculty moving to the Business School (as trade and business are closely linked) or the General Education College (to teach general courses).
2. Merging into New Colleges: Xinyu University merged its former School of Foreign Languages with the School of Literature and Media to form the “School of Humanities,” bringing together English, Business English, Chinese Language, and New Media programs. Hunan University of Technology combined the School of Foreign Languages with the School of Journalism and Communication to create the “School of Language, Culture, and Media.”
3. Renaming and Integrating Resources: Jingdezhen Ceramic University first renamed its School of Foreign Languages as the “School of Cultural Communication” and later integrated resources from the International College to form the “International Cultural Communication School.” This change in name reflects a shift in focus from pure language education to cultural communication and international exchanges.
Are Top-Tier Universities Also Reducing Foreign Language Programs? — Yes, This Is a Trend
Not only regular universities but also 985 and 211 institutions are making adjustments:
- The University of Science and Technology of China (a 985 institution) plans to abolish its English undergraduate program in 2023, becoming the first 985 university to do so.
- Shanghai University of Finance and Economics will stop enrolling students for 12 programs, including English, in 2025.
- East China Normal University (a 985 institution) will stop enrolling students for 24 programs, including German and Translation, in 2025.
Why are these universities making such changes? They prioritize distinctive and practical programs. For example, the University of Science and Technology of China is a strong science and engineering university, and English is not a core discipline; Shanghai University of Finance and Economics focuses on finance and economics, so it needs professionals with language skills combined with financial knowledge.
How Can Foreign Language Majors Survive? — Interdisciplinary Integration Is Key
The MyCOS Research Institute suggests that the key approach for universities is to adopt an interdisciplinary approach, which can include the following directions:
1. Foreign Languages + Technology/AI: Students can learn about AI translation tools and data processing while studying English, or collaborate with computer science programs to develop skills in “language + technology.”
2. Foreign Languages + Industries/Fields: For example, combining foreign languages with international trade, cross-border e-commerce, healthcare, or law to apply language skills to specific industries.
3. Strengthening Regional and Country Studies: This involves researching the culture, economy, and policies of certain countries for international exchange or think-tank work, which elevates the value of a foreign language major.
4. Revising Courses and Teaching Methods: Universities are reducing traditional grammar and vocabulary courses in favor of practical activities (such as simulated cross-border negotiations and AI translation exercises) to make education more relevant.
What Should Students and Parents Consider When Choosing a Foreign Language Major?
If you want to study a foreign language, don’t focus solely on the language itself:
1. Choose Majors with Interdisciplinary Elements: Consider programs like Business English, Translation (with a focus on localization), or those that offer dual degrees or minors (e.g., English + Finance).
2. Evaluate the University’s Resources: Look for practical projects in collaboration with companies and interdisciplinary courses.
3. Consider Less Common Languages: Smaller languages, such as those from Southeast Asia or the Middle East, may have more opportunities if combined with regional industries (e.g., cross-border e-commerce or Belt and Road initiatives).
In short, studying a foreign language alone is no longer enough; it needs to be integrated into other fields to become a valuable skill. These changes reflect how education adapts to market and technological developments—AI is not eliminating the need for foreign languages, but rather those who only know a foreign language.
Essentially, these adjustments are about education keeping up with the changing demands of the job market and technology. The goal of university reforms is to prepare students in foreign language majors for future career prospects.