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    A Comparative Study on the Inclination of Diplomatic Discourse Based on Chinese-English Set of Word Embedding
    ZHAO Huijun, LIN Mocheng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 168-178.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674.8921.2024.04.015
    Abstract1401)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1222KB)(134)       Save

    The inclination of diplomatic discourse is an important element to measure the diplomatic games among big powers. The concept of diplomatic discourse inclination and relative calculation method are proposed from the perspective of cross-lingual set of word embedding in this paper. Based on the Chinese-English bilingual corpus of Chinese and American diplomatic spokespersons, the parameters are optimized by searching positive and negative keywords in Chinese, and English positive and negative sets of word embedding are further retrieved. The data references for the expression and translation of diplomatic discourses are provided by quantifying the diplomatic discourse inclination of both sides. The research results indicate that both China and the United States exhibit a positive discourse inclination, with China’s positive intensity significantly surpassing that of the United States. However, in the English translation of Chinese discourse, the proportion of China’s positive discourse is less than that of the United States, while the degree of negative reinforcement is greater than that of the United States. The findings suggest that in the game of diplomatic discourse, in order to construct an equivalent diplomatic discourse and political status with the United States, and better achieve diplomatic purpose with Chinese characteristics, as a dominant nation, China could increase the number of positive words and reduce the proportion of negative words in the English set of word embedding in translating from Chinese into English, so as to build an equal diplomatic relationship between China and the United States with equal positive and negative diplomatic discourses.

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    Pre-service Teachers’ Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence-assisted Foreign Language Education
    MEI Bing
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 89-99.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.008
    Abstract645)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (1516KB)(957)       Save

    Based on prior technology acceptance research, the study employed the focus group interview method and investigated 11 pre-service English teachers’ acceptance of artificial intelligence-assisted English pronunciation training. Results from the thematic analysis suggest that this cohort of pre-service teachers held paradoxical views towards this approach. On one hand, they acknowledged its usefulness and ease of use; while on the other hand, they showed negative attitude and low intention to adopt this approach. The findings of this study are of practical value for preparing pre-service teachers for the incoming artificial intelligence era and optimizing the forms of language education in the new era.

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    New Pathways in Translation History Research from a Microhistorical Perspective: A Review of Dialogue between the Dragon and the Lion
    XU Wensheng, WAN Ju
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 163-175.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.015
    Abstract491)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1342KB)(373)       Save

    Currently, research in translation history has seen a shift from traditional “a view from above” methods to “a view from below” microhistorical perspective. Translation history research integrates both history and translation without bias or neglect to either. The Macartney Mission’s visit to China in 1792, marking the first official communication between Chinese and British officials, had profound and far-reaching impacts. Yet, the significant role of translation in this event and the communication issues it presented are little known and deserve recognition. Dialogue between the Dragon and the Lion meticulously unravels the visit from a translation history perspective, drawing on a wealth of precious archives and new materials, showcasing the importance of translation in modern Chinese diplomatic activities. The book is rich in data and rigorous in argumentation, offering new insights into many aspects of the Mission and filling existing research gaps. It not only re-examines and reconstructs the historical memory of the Mission but also represents an innovative integration in translation history research. Breaking disciplinary barriers in terms of source material utilization, research perspectives, and methodologies, the book reflects and integrates with each other, providing significant references and models for modern Chinese translation history and Sino-British diplomatic history research. It offers insights and elucidations that are conducive to advancing the depth of research in Chinese translation history.

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    FLC-based Ideological and Political Education and the Promotion of China’s International Communication Discourse System: The Case of the English Translation of“人类命运共同体”
    HWANG Wenhui, WANG Yinquan
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 45-57.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.004
    Abstract410)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1326KB)(530)       Save

    Foreign language education in the new era should promote the organic and effective combination of foreign language course-based (FLC-based for short) ideological and political education, explore the theoretical basis and practical path of FLC-based ideological and political education, give full play to the function of foreign language courses in cultivating talents, integrate and highlight the value of Chinese civilization and Chinese culture, demonstrate the superiority of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and provide new ideas, new categories and new expressions for improving China’s ability to participate in global governance. The term a human community with a shared future demonstrates China’s commitment to solving global issues and its determination to promote shared development of the world. By taking the diachronic changes in the English translation of “a human community with a shared future” as an example, this article expounds the reasons behind the changes over the past decade in the English translation of this important political concept and accounts for China’s emphasis on building an international discourse system with Chinese characteristics and its unremitting efforts to enhance a good national image. It goes on to propose that doing a good job in the translation and teaching of political terms in foreign language classrooms is the mission of strengthening FLC-based ideological and political education so as to achieve synchronous effects in ideological and political education, professional ability improvement, and the construction of China’s international discourse system.

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    Studies of Ideological-Political Education in Foreign Language Courses at Chinese Universities: The Status Quo and Prospects
    WANG Xiaojun
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 40-51.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.004
    Abstract387)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (1199KB)(95)       Save

    “Ideological-Political Education” has recently been a hot issue in academic circles. A total of 220 studies on ideological-political education in foreign language courses were retrieved from CNKI and systematically reviewed by the methods of literature review and content analysis. After a detailed analysis and overview of relevant articles, it was found that studies on ideological-political education in foreign language courses are mainly divided into four categories: (1)Research on the integration of ideological-political education and foreign education;(2)Exploration of ideological-political education in general English courses;(3)Exploration of ideological-political education in foreign language majors;(4)Research on the translation of ideological-political terms. However, the research breadth still needs to be expanded, and more teaching practices are urgently needed. The evaluation research is simultaneously insufficient. In response to the existent limitations, this paper argues that future researches should further expand the scope of research, incorporate more teaching practices, and place greater emphasis on evaluation research.

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    Examining Reporting Verbs in the PolyU Language Bank and Corpus of Research Articles: A Case Study of “Show”, “Indicate” and “Demonstrate”
    WU Yuxi, WANG Cong
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 179-190.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.016
    Abstract374)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1248KB)(211)       Save

    The aim of this study is to examine the use of three reporting verbs: “show”, “indicate” and “demonstrate” in the PolyU Learner English Corpus (PLEC) and Corpus of Research Articles (CRA),respectively. PLEC is a learner corpus with a collection of undergraduates’ assignments. The writers in the PLEC are university students who are English learners. By comparison,CRA is a collection of research articles,and the writers in CRA represent advanced English users. This study adopted a corpus-based method based on quantitative and qualitative analyses to examine the differences and similarities in using three reporting verbs between PLEC and CRA. By comparing these three words in two corpora,the similarities and differences regarding the employment of these three reporting verbs by two levels of English groups are outlined. The findings reveal that the use of three reporting verbs: “show”, “indicate” and “demonstrate” between CRA and PLEC share some similarities among them. However,“indicate”,“show” and “demonstrate” are synonyms with similar lexical meanings. They cannot fully be replaced with each other. Some unique patterns for the use of the three above reporting verbs are also identified,indicating the different preferences for English learners and advanced users.

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    The Construction of Student-Centered, Harmonious Teacher-Student Relationships Driven by Educator Spirit
    XU Jinfen
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 5-15.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.001
    Abstract373)   HTML18)    PDF(pc) (1217KB)(1606)       Save

    Under the guidance of spirits of educators, this article firstly explores the contemporary significance and theoretical basis for the construction of harmonious teacher-student relationships. Then, based on the 14 student-centered principles proposed by the American Psychological Association and the semi-structured interview results with university teachers and students from different regions in China, six major characteristics of student-centered harmonious teacher-student relationships are extracted. Finally, guided by these characteristics, specific strategies for building student-centered harmonious relationships between foreign language teachers and students are proposed from five aspects: educational philosophy, teaching methods, learning environment, emotional support, and evaluation system. This article aims to provide references for foreign language teachers from both theoretical and practical perspectives and further promote the healthy development of foreign language education.

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    Study of New Horizon College English Reading and Writing
    CHE Siqi, CHEN Jingfan, JIANG Zhaoyu
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 73-82.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.007
    Abstract365)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1192KB)(313)       Save
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    The Spirit Will Last: Rememberance of Professor Liu Miqing
    ZHANG Ling
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (3): 13-18.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.03.002
    Abstract360)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1322KB)(328)       Save

    Professor Liu Miqing, a well-known translator as well as a translation theorist in the world, passed away in the year 2023. Prof. Liu learned, taught and explored translation studies in his lifetime and he has made great contribution in the field of translation studies out of his deep love for his motherland China. He worked hard, not for fame or fortune, wrote and published many pioneering and high quality books. Unfortunately, however, The Incense Will Last, our co-authored draft cannot be finished or published before his death. We can learn and benefit a lot from Prof. Liu, such as his love for his motherland, teaching and research insights, and his pursuit for translation and research.

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    Knowledge Construction in Qu Tongzu’s Self-translation of His Monograph Law and Society in Traditional China: A Case Study from the Perspective of Transknowletology
    HU Bo
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 35-44.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.003
    Abstract356)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1331KB)(557)       Save

    From the perspective of transknowletology, this article has probed into the knowledge construction behavior of Qu Tongzu’s self-translation of his own monograph Law and Society in Traditional China. Qu’s self-translation is, in essence, the bio-level knowledge construction in two different languages environment. With the methods of induction and comparison, this article makes a summary of the knowledge construction strategies in the process of knowlegde translation, including the duplication of the universal knowledge and the embeddment of the local knowledge, while the later being further classified into direct embeddment and descriptive embeddment. As for the translation of local knowledge, it is a process of transforming the tacit or implicit knowledge in the source language environment into the explicit knowledge in the target language environment, making it being highlighted. Qu’s self-translation is of pivotal significance not only to the academic research of legal history, but also to knowledge communication, developing the theoretical discourse of transknowletology, traditional legal terminology translation criticism, and knowledge translation practice.

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    A Review of Domestic Studies on Focus on Form Instruction
    GAO Yibo
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 100-107.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.009
    Abstract351)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1688KB)(595)       Save

    Focus on Form (FonF) combines the advantages of two teaching methods, i.e., Focus on Forms and Focus on Meaning. Hence, it is conducive to improving language learners’ accuracy and facilitating their language learning. An overview of the domestic studies on FonF can help promote in-depth research into this topic. The analysis of 76 domestic research articles on FonF between 2003 and 2022 leads to the findings that: empirical research has gradually become the dominant paradigm; the development trend presents a dynamic change; the research topics include comparisons between FonF instruction and other teaching methods, the effectiveness of FonF, the timing and means of FonF, learner uptake in FonF, and investigation of FonF instruction in China. Though some initial achievements have been made in the past twenty years, domestic studies are not immune to such problems as paucity of studies on FonF theories and biases in selecting the topics of the study. Therefore, future studies should aim to establish a theoretical system of FonF in the domestic context, further expand empirical research topics, and enrich research results.

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    A Comparative Study of Translator Styles in the English Translations of The Three-Body Trilogy from the Perspective of Transknowletology
    JIN Shengxi, LI Haoyu
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 145-157.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.013
    Abstract337)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1350KB)(465)       Save

    From the perspective of Transknowletology, the paper conducts a comparative analysis of the translator styles exhibited by Ken Liu and Joel Martinsen in the process of globalizing and reconstructing local Chinese science fiction knowledge. The study constructs a self-built corpus of the English translations ofThe Three-Body Problem and The Dark Forest and employs Multidimensional Analysis method combined with text close reading. It is found that both translators adhere to the general organizational form of knowledge typical to science fiction literature, yet significant differences exist in terms of narrative concerns and informational elaboration in the two translations. The fundamental cause of these stylistic differences lies in their distinct translation philosophies: Ken Liu leans towards “cross-linguistic modulation and intercultural dialogue in knowledge translation”, while Joel Martinsen is more inclined towards “translation as an intermediary for knowledge world-sharing”.

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    The Eastward Spread of Western Learning and the Development of the Modern Knowledge System: Centered on Nishi Amane’s ‘Science’ ‘Art’ and ‘Literature’
    SHEN Guowei
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 5-22.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.001
    Abstract335)   HTML11)    PDF(pc) (1418KB)(503)       Save

    Historically known as “Western Learning’s Eastward Spread," Western learning itself Western learning itself experienced qualitative differentiation and reorganization from the sixteenth century up to the end of the nineteenth century. The most important change was the transition from ‘ART’ to ‘SCIENCE’, namely the establishment of modern science. The evolution of the names and content of disciplines can be traced back to Western encyclopedias and language dictionaries of the nineteenth century. The acceptance of evolving Western learning in the East can be described as being fraught with numerous difficulties and endured hardships. The Hyaku Gaku Renkan(1871—1873) by Japanese Meiji Enlightenment figure Nishi Amane was a significant challenge. In Hyaku Gaku Renkan, the interpretation of up to 1851 pairs of translated terms or definitions demonstrates Nishi Amane’s comprehension of Western concepts, a portion of which greatly influenced the East’s subsequent reception of Western learning. Focusing on Nishi Amane’s grasp of the terms “学science” and“术art”, this paper will analyze his unique understanding of the Western knowledge system, and further delineate his contributions to the development of modern academic studies in East Asia.

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    Thick Translation and Knowledge Production: A Study on van Gulik’s Translation of Chinese Classics
    LUO Peng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 23-34.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.002
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    From the perspective of transknowletology, this paper explores van Gulik’s English translation of Chinese classics and its impact on knowledge production, which is of great practical significance for promoting the international dissemination of local knowledge in the new era. The study finds that van Gulik constructed the cultural context of the original text through the practice of thick translation, while simultaneously popularizing pertinent knowledge. This included information of the author’s background, knowledge of the subject (or the theme), writing style, and the customs, allusions and myths contained within words or sentences. During the thick translation process, van Gulik meticulously examined various versions of the source text and consulted others’ translation to ensure the accuracy of local knowledge in his translations and annotations. Concurrently, he rectified misunderstandings of relevant Chinese knowledge in the West and facilitated the international dissemination of Chinese culture. His translation has the function of knowledge construction and has a profound influence on the target language culture.

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    On the Philosophical Reflection of the Ideological and Political Education of College English and Its Teaching Practice: The Case of New College English Integrated Course
    XUE Wu
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 81-88.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.007
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    Many theoretical and practical research papers which focus on ideological and political education have been published. The researchers study different aspects of ideological and political education, such as national development strategy, ethics, teaching practice and so on. However, so far, no research has elaborated on the essence of ideological and political education in light of philosophy, which will certainly deepen our understanding of the theory and practice of ideological and political education. Language comes from a certain social and cultural context, and it’s supposed to represent a certain philosophy, typically about our views towards the world, life and value. In light of philosophy, we may establish three views in the teaching and learning of language. In light of the philosophy of this world being holistic, systematic and inter-connected, based on the analysis of the texts in New College English Integrated Course, this paper intends to explore the ideological and political elements in the texts and thus reflect on the importance and necessity of ideological and political education in college English teaching and learning, so that we may foster students’ correct views towards the world, life and value and provide qualified talents for the construction of socialism while comprehensively improve the students’ English proficiency.

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    Foreign Language Teaching and Professional Development of Foreign Language Teachers in the Era of AI: Challenges, Identity Tensions and Solutions
    XU Yueting, GU Yue
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2025, 25 (1): 60-72.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2025.01.007
    Abstract281)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1301KB)(634)       Save

    Artificial intelligence (AI) represented by ChatGPT can not only promote learners to learn foreign languages but also improve teachers’ work efficiency and reduce their work burden. However, the educational revolution triggered by ChatGPT brings challenges to foreign language teaching and results in identity tensions to foreign language teachers. By reviewing research on the application of AI in the field of foreign language teaching and language teacher identity, this paper analyses challenges of foreign language teaching and teachers, identity tensions and solutions, and puts forward corresponding suggestions from three aspects, including teachers, schools, and government. This paper not only provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the implementation of AI-assisted teaching in the field of foreign language education but also has enlightenment for other subjects in dealing with teacher identity tensions and exploring the path of deep integration of AI and education.

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    A Study of Black Female Images in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon
    WANG Yukuo, WANG Meng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (2): 153-162.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.02.014
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    The impact of feminism over black American women writers since 1970s has made them reconsider the racial issues as well as the problems among black people, focusing especially on the racial discriminations and gender oppressions against black women. Toni Morrison, the representative figure, is not pleased with the existing images of black women, and has created multiple, and dimensionally sophisticated female characters in Song of Solomon, which challenges not only the stereotyped black women images, but also broadens the boundaries of (black) feminist thought, and enriches (black) feminist literary criticism.

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    On the English Translation of Yangtao
    MO Liya
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 158-167.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.014
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    “Yangtao”, firstly recorded in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (God’s Canon of Materia Medica), with actinidia and carambola together, is included in Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica). There was a considerable controversy over the origin of the plant “yangtao” after Ming Dynasty. The dispute mainly focuses on whether the origin of the plant “yangtao” is Actinidia chinensis, Averrhoa carambola or something else. It has influenced the English translation of “yangtao” in traditional Chinese classics. Based on the investigation of the English translation of “yangtao” in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and Shi Jing (The Book of Poetry), the study elaborates on the origin of the plant “yangtao”, the translation strategies of “yangtao” in non-literary and literary contexts from the perspective of transknowletology and identifies the origin of the plant “yangtao” as Clematoclethra scandens subs. Actinidioides (ACTINIDIACEAE) combined with the botanic binomial system. This paper proposes that in Chinese classics translation practice, the principle of truth, virtue and beauty should be pursued to realize the correct correlation of “name”, “object” and “description”, aiming to promote the communication of local botanical knowledge in different cultural community and the construction of global knowledge system.

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    Balance Harmony as Translation Methodology of Translation in Yu Guangzhong: A Case Study of His Translation of An Ideal Husband
    YANG Jinyu, XU Yanli
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (3): 66-73.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.03.007
    Abstract269)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (1847KB)(793)       Save

    As the subject of translation, translator the manipulator should adhere to and apply the principles of being true, good and beautiful in translation process so that new knowledge can be created and harmony between cultures can come into being in the internationalized process of the foreign knowledge. The ideas about translation proposed by Yu Guangzhong and the translations by him are embodiments of the ideas about “harmony” in Chinese culture, which reflects and highlights the importance and significance of Chinese culture and traditional Chinese thought to translation studies.

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