However, entering the era of artificial intelligence (AI), students in this field face many challenges.
The period 1999 - 2010 is considered the "golden age" of English language in China, when the country joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). The number of universities training foreign languages increased 3 times and the employment rate after graduating from English majors always exceeded 90%. However, the figures are decreasing.
Between 2018 and 2022 alone, data from the Chinese Ministry of Education shows that 109 universities stopped enrolling students in foreign language majors, of which 21 schools stopped English programs. In 2024, a series of prestigious schools such as Jinan University and Shenyang Aerospace University stopped training in this once-considered key field.
The main reason comes from the remarkable development of AI, especially automatic translation tools with accuracy up to 95% and cost only 1% compared to humans. Machine translation is taking up 40% of the translation market share, reducing the demand for basic translation and interpretation positions.
The employment rate of English Language students in 2023 dropped to 76.8%, lower than the national average, and only about 52% worked in their field of study.
However, another reason is that students are not prepared enough skills for work. Many students major in languages, but cannot write a complete job application email, while AI can write very quickly and systematically.
This reality shows that the problem lies not only in AI, but also in outdated training programs, lacking in interdisciplinary orientation and practical application. The field of study used to focus on grammar, vocabulary and essay writing skills, but lacked necessary competencies such as digital thinking, technological skills or in-depth knowledge in fields such as law, economics and communications.
Dai Jiangwen, Dean of the English Department at Beijing Jiaotong University, believes that the language industry needs to be “optimized,” not eliminated. She emphasizes the unique human values that AI cannot replace, such as empathy, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity. These are the core elements that help people communicate deeply with each other in the context of globalization.
One approach that academics are advocating is the “English + X” training model. This is a combination of languages and other expertise such as data science, international law, or digital. Thus, language students can participate in high-growth industries such as cross-border e-commerce, AI-powered translation management, or language AI training.
Especially for students with interdisciplinary orientation and international goals, English Language majors still play an important role in diplomacy, international communication, cultural studies, and language technology development.
Some experts even believe that AI will not eliminate the English industry but will “force” it to evolve. Learners need to not only know the language, but also know how to apply the language in practical contexts, and know how to use AI as a tool, not an opponent.
“The English language industry is declining globally, not just in China. The reasons come from national policies, the development of AI, and the industry’s focus on language training alone, which fails to meet the demands of the new market,” said Wu Bang, Dean of the School of Overseas Education at Jiangsu University.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/sinh-vien-ngon-ngu-anh-lao-dao-thoi-tri-tue-nhan-tao-post740319.html
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