Top Read Articles

    Published in last 1 year |  In last 2 years |  In last 3 years |  All
    Please wait a minute...
    For Selected: Toggle Thumbnails
    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
    Abstract1480)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1222KB)(181)       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.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract636)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1301KB)(1177)       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.

    Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract526)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1199KB)(282)       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.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract525)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1248KB)(563)       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.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    A Review of the Subtitle Translation of the Documentary Harmony Between Humanity and Nature Based on the Principles of Truth, Virtue and Beauty
    CUI Fengjuan, XIE Lin
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (6): 79-88.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.06.007
    Abstract519)   HTML2)    PDF(pc) (1699KB)(1098)       Save

    Knowledge-centered translatology posits that translation is a process of globalization of local knowledge, which centers around knowledge construction. Subtitle translation of documentaries exemplifies this interaction and transfer between local and global knowledge. Guided by the principles of truth, virtue and beauty, this paper examines the subtitle translation of the documentary Harmony Between Humanity and Nature and explores the inherent mechanisms of subtitle translation in this work. By analyzing representative cases, we find that some translations of the documentary’s subtitles adhere to the principles of truth, virtue and beauty. Therefore, these translations convey authentic meanings, take into consideration the target audience, and meet the aesthetic standards of the target language. However, others do not follow these principles, which hinders the documentary’s international reach.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract503)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1192KB)(698)       Save
    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract500)   HTML18)    PDF(pc) (1217KB)(5000)       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.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Human-Machine Collaborative Intelligent Writings: Its Evolution and Implications
    LI Jingjie, CHEN Qiuyan
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2025, 25 (1): 73-83.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2025.01.008
    Abstract500)   HTML16)    PDF(pc) (1263KB)(1190)       Save

    Artificially intelligent writing has become an irreversible trend. This article, from the perspective of human-machine collaboration, provides an assessment and comparison of artificial intelligence writing systems in three stages: the emergence stage of AI writing, the stage of diversified exploration, and the stage of comprehensive development. It analyzes the characteristics and development trends of human-machine collaboration in intelligent writing systems at different stages. Building upon this analysis, it discusses the progress, issues, and implications of human-machine collaborative intelligent writing systems in academic English writing and teaching in terms of the integration of writing assistance and revision assistance, dialogue-based interaction, comprehensive coverage of the writing process, and Man-Computer symbiosis.

    Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract468)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1350KB)(1949)       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”.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Ecological Niche of Foreign Language Teaching from the Perspective of Foreign Language Pedagogy
    ZHUO Ling
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (5): 103-115.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.05.010
    Abstract442)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1353KB)(1246)       Save

    With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, its application in foreign language education has become increasingly prevalent, thereby influencing the ecological niche of foreign language teaching. The study aims to explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving language learning efficiency, personalized teaching and cross-cultural communication ability by analyzing the current application and outcomes of AI in language learning, so as to explore the application of AI technology in foreign language education and its impact on the ecological niche of foreign language teaching. Based on the survey data of 165 randomly selected non-English majors at a university, it shows that artificial intelligence technology can not only effectively improve the quality of teaching in foreign language education, but also reconstruct the ecological niche of foreign language teaching, improve teaching efficiency and learning effect, thereby fostering the intelligent development of the ecological niche for foreign language learners.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Interpretation on the State Consciousness of Ma Jianzhong’s Conception of Translation Education
    HAN Shuqin
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 32-39.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.003
    Abstract391)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1239KB)(295)       Save

    Ma Jianzhong’s Proposal on Establishing a Translation Academy has its unique status among a myriad of translation thoughts in the Late Qing period. It differs from other proposals of “learning from the West” or “translating western books” but proposes setting up a specialized translation academy to train professional translators, which formulates a systematic training system and shapes a prototype of translation education thought. This paper starts with illustrating the emergence of modern state consciousness in the critical social context, expounds Ma’s state consciousness and its manifestation in his Proposal from three dimensions of origin, orientation and mechanism. It is concluded that the state consciousness in Ma’s Proposal may shed light on contemporary translation education as historical references from three perspectives, namely, the country-dedicated education direction, the ethics-evaluation standards and the state-dominated education institution.

    Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    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
    Abstract384)   HTML1)    PDF(pc) (1228KB)(374)       Save

    “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.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    A Historical Exploration of National Translation Programs from the Perspective of Sci-tech Translation:Focusing on Official Translation Agencies
    XU Mingwu, NIE Wei
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 16-31.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.002
    Abstract369)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1245KB)(827)       Save

    The sci-tech achievements made by ancient China are preeminent in the world contributing significantly to the development process of world history. Among translation activities related to science and technology over one thousand years in the past, the translation practices conducted under “National translation programs”, a kind of translation practices that is in the form of officials as well as the agencies or persons on behalf of the officials, have provided a crucial contribution to the exchange of sci-tech knowledge between ancient China with foreign nations and to the domestic development of science and technology. This research takes state translation programs as the theoretical perspective, science and technology translation activities in ancient China as a main investigation clue, official translation agencies as the description object, and knowledge interaction between ancient China and the west as a sub-observation, to examine the causes, historical facts and influences of China’s ancient national sci-tech translation practice. In this way, this research hopes to enrich the writing style and perspective of Chinese scientific and technological translation history and national translation programs history. In addition, the way of “learning from the past and using the accumulated successful method to achieve current goal” can serve as a case enlightenment and historical experience reference for the construction of the current national translation capacity and its subdivisions-national sci-tech translation capacity.

    Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Exploring the Framework for the Development of Intelligent Digital College English Textbooks in the Era of Generative AI
    WANG Haixiao
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2025, 25 (2): 23-33.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2025.02.002
    Abstract354)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1363KB)(48)       Save

    The rapid development of generative AI technology provides an important opportunity for innovation in College English textbooks. This article first reviews the development history of digital textbooks in China and analyzes the potential of generative AI in areas such as dynamic content generation, personalized learning support, multimodal resource integration, and optimization of classroom interactions. Based on the current needs of College English teaching and relevant literature, this paper proposes a framework for the development of novel intelligent digital textbooks in the era of generative AI. This framework includes eight dimensions: textbook structure, textbook form, learning experience, teaching activities, teaching content, cross-disciplinary integration, assessment and feedback, and quality assurance and ethical standards.

    Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Investigating College Students’ English Learning Engagement Following the Blended Teaching Mode
    XU Ying, YUAN Jie, HUANG Mengjia, CHEN Jin
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2025, 25 (1): 84-95.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2025.01.009
    Abstract335)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1717KB)(42)       Save

    Learning engagement is an important indicator to measure learning achievement and teaching effectiveness, however, not much attention has been paid to non-English major students’ learning engagement under the blended teaching mode. To this end, this article aims to examine their engagement with the course of “English for Academic Purposes” under the blended teaching mode by employing questionnaires and semi-structured interviews for data collection. It was found that students’ engagement consists of three dimensions including cognitive, affective and behavioral; their engagement on the cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions are rank-ordered from high to low in terms of the strength; factors relating to students themselves, learning resources and settings, and classroom interpersonal relationship have a significant effect on their engagement. The above findings disclose the multi-faceted and interactive nature of ecological relationship between various factors, and could shed light on the application of blended foreign language teaching in China.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    The Compilation of Secondary School English Textbooks Aimed at Cultivating Students’ Pragmatic Competence
    FENG Wei, YAO Xin, WU Dongying
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 61-72.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.006
    Abstract333)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (1319KB)(71)       Save

    China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE) issued by the Ministry of Education of China in 2018 is the national language standard of teaching and testing English in China. The CSE document defines pragmatic competence with an accurate, classified framework. In fact, to cultivate students’ pragmatic competence, the textbooks in use are excellent sources which play a vital role in achieving this goal. EFL secondary students’ L2 pragmatic competence has been groomed in many ways and mostly by means of classroom learning of textbook contents. To date there is still a scarcity of EFL secondary English textbook materials research in regard to how materials play a role in the pragmatic competence of EFL secondary students. By adopting a mixed methodology, the present article reports a comparative study of three publishers’ textbooks of English: one UK textbook (published in 2017) and two of China’s textbooks (all published in 2019). The working analytical frameworks in the present study are based on Searle’s classification of speech acts and CSE. It is found that three publishers’ textbooks have performed differently and each has its merits in certain aspects in providing contents that are helpful to students’ pragmatic competence as well as demerits in lacking of doing so. For example, findings reveal that the UK publisher has excelled in sufficient and all five categories of speech acts in its textbook materials (reading and listening researched only). Based on the specific findings, this article offers realistic implications and suggestions to the three publishers in their future revised editions of English textbooks for EFL students. For instance, it is suggested that Chinese publishers should update its contents to focus on cultivating students’ pragmatic competence of understanding oral description, understanding written description and understanding written instruction.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    International Language Service for Time-Honored Brands: A Knowledge Service Perspective
    ZHAO Hong, XU Lusheng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 130-144.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.012
    Abstract328)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1843KB)(187)       Save

    International language service for time-honored brands is a knowledge ecosystem where dialogues between locality and globality, and tradition and modernity take place. The current study explores the knowledge processing, discourse reconstruction, value creation and knowledge transfer in the ecosystem within the theoretical framework of transknowletology, esp. the principles of real meanings, full preparations and target text aesthetic conceptions, highlighting the double-directional knowledge transfer and the subjectivity of the service team. The study recognizes that the international language service is in nature an innovative knowledge service across national and cultural boundaries that may function as a form of knowledge making, value creation, cultural communication and business consultation.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Corpus Assisted Approach to Discourse Analysis of Textbooks: A Case Study of College English Textbooks
    PAN Chengjun
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2024, 24 (4): 83-94.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2024.04.008
    Abstract326)   HTML12)    PDF(pc) (1525KB)(2024)       Save

    This paper adopts the methods of combining critical discourse analysis with corpus linguistics, quantitative and qualitative comparison between local textbooks and global textbooks, discusses cultural representation in College English textbooks, and analyzes its impact on cultural representation from the perspective of register type and language characteristics, so as to clarify the differences in structural features and social attributes of language textbooks under different social and cultural backgrounds and guiding ideology. The results show that the local materials reflect the relational thinking of Chinese philosophical thought in terms of subject matter and help to construct foreign language learners’ identities by bringing them closer to learners through dialogical genres and micro-level linguistic features, thereby recontextualizing the language materials in the local materials. On the other hand, local textbooks can be further expanded in terms of subject matter, knowledge, and international perspectives, and they also need to work on how to build China’s image and tell China’s story at the level of national consciousness. This study has implications for the writing, evaluation, and adaptation of foreign language textbooks in the new era.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0
    Exploring Pathways for Integrating International Communication Competence and Foreign Language Talent Development
    YANG Lianrui, ZHANG Hui, LIU Xiaolan
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2025, 25 (1): 34-42.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2025.01.004
    Abstract326)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1267KB)(655)       Save

    The capacity for international communication is a critical indicator of a nation’s soft power, with the cultivation of high-caliber talent serving as the cornerstone of this development. Mastery of foreign languages is indispensable for enhancing international communication, and foreign language majors should aim to produce versatile professionals equipped with a strong sense of national identity, global awareness, and specialized expertise. This paper, grounded in the framework of the New Liberal Arts, proposes the establishment of an innovative talent cultivation platform within foreign language majors to enhance educational efficacy and better support the development of international communication competencies. The platform seeks to integrate resources across institutions and classrooms, providing interdisciplinary and cross-professional knowledge and skills. Its primary focus is on cultivating students’ abilities in critical areas such as comprehension, interpretation, analytical thinking, and innovation. Meanwhile, the platform is distinguished by four core features: broad scope, targeted relevance, adaptability, and a strong emphasis on practical application. It offers foreign language students an innovative environment to reinforce their foundational knowledge while enhancing their capacity to contribute to global communication efforts.

    Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments0