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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
    Abstract1309)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1222KB)(66)       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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    College English Writing Instruction in a ChatGPT Context
    CHEN Mo, LV Mingchen
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (1): 161-168.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.01.013
    Abstract657)   HTML27)    PDF(pc) (1279KB)(1143)       Save

    As a representative of the latest stage in artificial intelligence development, ChatGPT has attracted widespread attention from various sectors of society and has also brought new assistance to foreign language/second language writing instruction. From the perspective of activity theory, this paper analyzed college English writing instruction in the ChatGPT context, by exploring at each stage how teachers can effectively utilize ChatGPT to prepare and organize English writing instruction while actively mitigating potential risks associated with the new technologies. In this process, there have been corresponding changes in the teachers' roles. The teachers have reduced the time spent on knowledge output and repetitive tasks while increasing the emphasis on critical thinking and emotional guidance.

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    Brian Tomlinson's Principles in Developing Materials for Language Teaching from an ELF Perspective: A Comprehensive Review and Its Implications
    DONG Lianzhong, QI Fang, Lawrence Jun ZHANG
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 108-117.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.011
    Abstract465)   HTML13)    PDF(pc) (1394KB)(222)       Save

    This paper offers a comprehensive review of Brian Tomlinson's theoretical principles, core issues and directions in materials development for language teaching over the past 20 years from the perspective of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF). It critically examines textbook development principles and multiple core issues relating to English textbook development in five aspects with reference to Chinese researchers' empirical findings and reflections in ELF. This is done with a view of compiling English syllabi in China for constructing ELF materials for language teaching. The review aims to raise awareness of the need to further disseminate national cultures and Chinese values in English syllabi and textbook development, to focus on core issues in textbook development with Chinese characteristics, and to expand foreign language education in serving the implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative.

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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
    Abstract392)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (1516KB)(720)       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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    Knowledge Ethics and Knowledge Construction of Artificial Intelligence Translation
    SHI Yun
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 156-165.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.016
    Abstract376)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1482KB)(153)       Save

    The urgent need of the language service industry, the requirement of translation professionalization and the advancement of translation technology push the rapid development of artificial intelligence translation, profoundly affecting people's understanding about translation. The paper firstly clarifies the knowledge principle of artificial intelligence translation, and reflects troubling ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence translation. Besides, centered around the principles of real meanings, full preparations and aesthetic conceptions from transknowletology, the paper endeavors to ethically prescribe artificial intelligence translation to cope with the new ethical challenges posed by it nowadays and in the near future.

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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
    Abstract329)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1342KB)(110)       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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    Fusion of Horizons in Translation and Translators' Subjectivity
    HU Zuoyou, ZHONG Shali
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 147-155.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.015
    Abstract314)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1199KB)(120)       Save

    The essence of translation is the interpretation of the original text, so the translator needs, in the form of dialogue, to fuse his or her horizon with other horizons in translation to expand a larger and more comprehensive horizon. There are at least four times of fusion of horizons in translation, that is, the fusion of the translator's original horizon with that of the author, the text, the target culture, and the target reader. The translator will be influenced by the interaction of the fusion of different horizons and then make some adjustments for horizons to make the final horizon perfect. The process connects the past, present, and future, and builds a dialogue across time and space. The fusions help to shorten the distance between the translator and respective subjects and objects in translation, deepen their understanding, and, keeping up with the times, flexibly adjust the distance between the translated text and the two languages concerned. The fusions of horizons may lead to a deviation in the horizon between the source text and the target text. Still, this deviation is to extend the life of the original better and promote multi-cultural exchanges and common prosperity.

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    A Theoretical Model of Translation and Discipline Development: A Research Framework for Translation History of Chinese Disciplines Based on Transknowletology
    WANG Jing
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 20-29.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.002
    Abstract303)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1712KB)(229)       Save

    The research on the translation history of discipline has begun to emerge and gradually become one of the new trends in the study of the translation history. Both the number and the quality of research are on the rise, while its research methodology has received very limited attention. With the support of transknowletology, this paper tries to put forward the “theoretical model of translation and discipline development” after empirical investigations, to explain the relationship between translation and discipline development under the Chinese modern disciplinary system. It is found that with the help of translation, the traditional Chinese disciplines have “evolved” into modern disciplines, while the western modern disciplines have been “transplanted” into China. This model can be used as a framework for the translation history studies of discipline, to examine the contributions of translation in the development of a discipline.

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    A Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between L2 Willingness to Communicate and L2 Anxiety
    LOU Yi, LI Chengchen, ZHAO Haiyong
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (1): 150-160.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.01.012
    Abstract302)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (1402KB)(515)       Save

    Willingness to communicate (WTC) has been extensively studied for its crucial role in affecting second/foreign language (L2) learning outcomes and L2 communicative competence. Previous studies have explored a range of factors affecting WTC including L2 anxiety. However, the findings about their links remain inconsistent. To this end, the present meta-analysis integrated results of 50 independent studies, showing that there was a medium negative correlation between WTC and L2 anxiety (r = -0.343, p < 0.001). In addition, their relationship was moderated by multiple variables including national varieties, second language type, and anxiety type. The findings provided implications for foreign language education practitioners in China and researchers in the field of WTC.

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    English Translation of Ancient Chinese Texts: Experiences and Methods
    ZHANG Yue, SUN Yifeng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (1): 136-149.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.01.011
    Abstract289)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(789)       Save

    English translations of ancient texts are important for spreading Chinese culture abroad. Domestication and foreignization strategies from the perspective of cross-cultural translation are practical considerations of the operational matrix. Translators must select a proper translation method based on the type of audience, the purpose of translation, the historical and cultural context, and the peculiarities of ancient texts. This article explores the characteristics and causes of the three approaches: translation by Chinese scholars, translation by Western scholars, and translation by Chinese and Western collaborators, requiring strong support from official institutions or private organizations. It also examines the content, quality, and orientation of overseas publications of English translations of ancient texts, especially English translation series, and advocates the strengthening of overseas publication and distribution, which will contribute to the dissemination of English translations of ancient texts overseas and the globalization of traditional Chinese culture.

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    Language Service Industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: The Status Quo, Problems and Solutions
    ZHONG Weihe, LI Xi
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (1): 30-39.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.01.001
    Abstract285)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(616)       Save

    This paper examines the status quo of the language service industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and identifies the key issues it faces, including a lack of strategic design, insufficient high-end language service resources, slow digitalization, and a lack of international perspective. To address these challenges and support the industry's healthy and sustainable development, this paper proposes specific measures, which include strengthening the strategic design of language services in the Greater Bay Area, cultivating high-end composite language service talents, promoting digital transformation within the industry, and expanding its international vision. By implementing these measures, the aim is to enhance the competitiveness and influence of the language service industry in the Greater Bay Area and contribute to its integrated development.

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    The Design and Evaluation of A Blended Academic English Writing Course Incorporating Ideological and Political Education
    ZHANG Li
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 54-65.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.006
    Abstract281)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (2109KB)(157)       Save

    Blended teaching is a hot topic in foreign language instruction, but there is little research and practical application of incorporating ideological and political education into blended academic English courses. This study demonstrates the design of a blended academic English writing course that integrates ideological and political education in terms of teaching objectives, teaching contents, and teaching methods, with typical cases to illustrate the points. The study also combines quantitative and qualitative research methods to validate the teaching effectiveness. The quantitative research utilizes questionnaires to gain insights into students' perspectives on blended teaching. It also conducts paired sample t-test to assess students' perceptions of their abilities and overall qualities before and after the course and performs one-way ANOVA on academic paper drafts at the initial, second, and final stages. Qualitative research uses the messages left on Canvas teaching system to further explain the quantitative results. It is found that students generally approve of blended teaching. They perceived that they have not only enhanced their skills for reading literature, writing research papers, and delivering academic presentations, but also developed their overall competence. Besides, the quality of the final paper is significantly better than that of the initial drafts. This study provides a methodology for integrating ideological and political education into blended teaching.

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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
    Abstract263)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1688KB)(214)       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 Study of the English Translation of Numbers in CH'I MIN YAO SHU from the Perspective of Transknowletology
    XU Yufeng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 46-53.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.005
    Abstract251)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (1021KB)(117)       Save

    From the perspective of Transknowletology, translation is a worldwide identification of local knowledge. The English translation of numbers in Ch'i Min Yao Shu is the important part of the worldwide identification of local knowledge of this ancient book. This study focuses on the English translation of numbers in A Preliminary Survey of the Book CH'I MIN YAO SHU, which is an abbreviated English translation of Ch'i Min Yao Shu, and focuses on the summary, generalization, and analysis of three methods of English translation of numbers: synonymous corresponding translation, equivalent numbers corresponding translation and proportional conversion translation. Expressions of numbers in agricultural classics contain traditional cultural connotations of China. English translation of numbers is one of the key points in the external dissemination of agricultural classics, and handling English translation of numbers is one of the important ways for Chinese classics to spread around the world.

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    Analyzing the Linguistic Landscape in Ethnic Minority Areas from the Perspective of Sociolinguistics of Globalization:A Case in Daozhen Gelao and Miao Minority County
    WANG Huoyan, TONG Xiuwen
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (1): 69-80.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.01.05
    Abstract250)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1300KB)(830)       Save

    Taking the linguistic landscape on Yinzhen Avenue in Daozhen Gelao and Miao Autonomous County of Guizhou province as a sample, this paper discusses the linguistic landscape in the urban center of ethnic minority areas with a focus on English use within the framework of the three core concepts of mobility, standardization and localization from the perspective of sociolinguistics of globalization. Through the statistical analysis of the language distribution proportions on the 240 collected linguistic signs, it is found that English is the second language after Chinese and has higher visibility and mobility than minority languages. Findings also show the low degree of standardization as well as the large proportion and high degree of localization in English use, which reflects the role of English in the linguistic landscape in presenting Chinese native culture and manifesting the Chinese people's cultural confidence and national identity, and discloses the low education level and the endangerment of ethnic minority languages. Such results have certain practical significance for knowing the language ecology in ethnic minority areas, and promoting the revision and implementation of national language planning and language policies.

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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
    Abstract238)   HTML11)    PDF(pc) (1418KB)(216)       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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    A Study on Language Conflicts in China's Neighboring Countries from the Holistic View of National Security
    SHEN Qi, PENG Yongchao
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 66-77.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.007
    Abstract236)   HTML2)    PDF(pc) (1601KB)(176)       Save

    Language conflict constitutes one of the central concerns in research on national language security. Under the holistic view of national security, the development of national language security capabilities should encompass not only an exploration of national language capabilities and language resources but also a significant focus on investigating language conflicts in China's neighboring countries. This expanded perspective serves to enhance the construction of holistic national security. This study first clarifies the concept of language conflict, and then conceives an analytical framework based on relevant theories of language planning. A language security database is then built through corpus method. The study finds that: in terms of characteristics, language conflicts arising from status planning and minority language education demonstrate complex inter-level oppositions of orientations in language planning, while cases related to corpus planning and foreign language education primarily reflect intra-level contradictions of these orientations. In terms of causes, the primary sources of language conflicts in China's neighboring countries include the language-as-problem orientation held by dominant ethnic groups, certain elite groups, and manifested in acquisition planning of minority and foreign languages. Paying attention to language conflicts in neighboring countries and strengthening the construction of national language security capabilities will help improve and expand holistic national security capacity.

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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
    Abstract218)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1331KB)(205)       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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    Exploring “Weiyu” from the Perspective of Transknowletology
    MA Mingrong
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (1): 59-68.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.01.004
    Abstract217)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1299KB)(255)       Save

    As the core of Pan Guangdan's new humanistic thought, “weiyu” or “interactive equilibrium and harmony”, has inspired discussions in disciplines ranging from philosophy, sociology, education, culture studies to history studies. However, its unique significance in translation studies still remains as an under-examined issue. This current study aims at offering an interpretation of Pan Guangdan's “weiyu” in his footnotes to diverse term translations from the perspective of Transknowletology in his academic translated works. Three major features of how Pan Guangdan practiced his “weiyu” view in term translation are revealed, namely, the exploit of the “sameness” to offer a better solution for a particular term, the quotation of the “sameness” to share similar experience, the employment of the “difference” to enrich the connotations of terms. In light of these findings, it is concluded that “weiyu” embodies dual cultural implications for Transknowletology: one is the dynamic interaction between knowledge and culture, the other is the dialogical integration of self-cultural consciousness and knowledge transfer.

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    A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of Patriotism in Together Against COVID-19
    SUN Ju, ZHAO Yi
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 78-89.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.008
    Abstract215)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (3367KB)(172)       Save

    With the advancement of science and technology and the development of digitalization, multimodal communication has become the norm in people's daily life. Among these modalities, documentaries have gained the popularity of the audiences with their objective and vivid narrative style. During the Covid-19 pandemic, “Country and Home Sentiment” has once again become a buzzword dominating major media outlets and many documentaries on anti-epidemic themes are the epitome of this sentiment. Taking Together Against COVID-19 as an example, this article employs a combined methodology of quantitative and qualitative research to conduct a multimodal discourse analysis of the “Country and Home Sentiment” portrayed within the documentary. The study reveals that, in terms of symbolic resources utilization, the construction of “Country and Home Sentiment” in the film mainly relies on verbal narration and visual scenes, while the frequency of font and graphic symbols remains relatively low. Different types of multimodal synergies play direct or indirect roles in the construction process. This study, on the one hand, expands the dimensions of multimodal analysis within dynamic discourse; on the other hand, it showcases the Chinese people's sense of responsibility and mission in the face of significant public health events, which is conducive to the healthy social development.

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