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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
    Abstract405)   HTML14)    PDF(pc) (1279KB)(412)       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
    Abstract318)   HTML12)    PDF(pc) (1394KB)(164)       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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    I “Eat”; Therefore I “Am” :Food Narrative and Ethnic Identity in Everything I Never Told You
    YAO Hongyan
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (4): 145-150.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.04.017
    Abstract261)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (1018KB)(146)       Save

    Food not only nourishes one’s biological organism, but also constructs his social and cultural identity. It marks the group that an eater belongs to and defines the otherness of a different group; it makes the eater and the eater makes himself by eating. In Chinese American woman writer Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You, foodways play an important role in constructing James’ ethnic identity. Due to the widespread discourse of the inferiority of Chinese foodways in mainstream American society, James tries to deny his ethnic identity by refusing Chinese food. However, when his efforts to integrate into the mainstream society go futile, and when he eats cha siu bau again, he finally realizes that ethnicity is an undeniable part of his identity. The interaction between James and the foodways not only shows the struggle and helplessness of Chinese Americans in the process of ethnic identity construction, but also exposes the operating mode of American hegemonic culture.

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    Knowledge: A Driving Force in Translation Studies
    CHEN Chuanxian, ZHANG Yu
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (4): 29-36.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.04.003
    Abstract251)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (1268KB)(126)       Save

    The birth of Transknowletology is a milestone event in translation community, highlighting knowledge as the essence of translation. Knowledge can be seen in every step in translation process while translating is a process of producing, managing and disseminating knowledge. As the defining feature of translation, knowledge is the key element in translation studies and serves as a powerhouse supporting and facilitating the research of translation. With obvious international trait, Transknowletology, among all Chinese translation theories, is in a dominant position like a “vine” on which other theories grow as “melons”.

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    Consciousness of China’s Image and a Few Word Choices in the English Version of the Report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC
    CHEN Fachun
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (5): 7-15.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.05.001
    Abstract247)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1352KB)(114)       Save

    National image is an integral part of national soft power. The attention, attitude and actions that citizens take for their national image reveal the intensity of their national consciousness. The Communist Party of China (CPC), under the leadership of Xi Jinping, has been attaching great importance to the shaping and projection of China’s image as a big country of long civilization, eastern culture, international responsibility and socialism, presenting a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China and a China that is credible, appealing, and respectable. The English version of the Report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC was the collaborate accomplishment of the national translation team with native speakers of English and has been highly successful on the whole in projecting a positive image for the CPC and for China. However, for better cross-cultural communication, a few words used in the report can be further discussed, such as the third person plural pronoun, words of priorities and a proper noun in particular.

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    An Embodied-Cognitive Interpretation of Transknowletology(I)
    WANG Yin
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (5): 16-22.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.05.002
    Abstract229)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1070KB)(92)       Save

    Scholars both at home and broad have been seeking hard for the essence of translation for many years, but without any result. Yang Feng has rethought this orientational error of “Forgetting essence because of usage; Losing Dao (doctrine) in sight of Qi (utensil)” in traditional translation studies, thus considering only knowledge as the essence of translation, based on which Transknowletology has been proposed. So we should devote ourselves to the behaviour, relationship, movement and regulation in the processing of cross-language knowledge, its reconstructing and redisseminating. Epistemology thinks that human knowledge mainly originates from our experience (perception) and mind (rationality), the former being named “ti (body)” and the latter “ren (cognition)”, which is so-named “Linguistic Embodiment-Cognition View” being recently discussed by SISU Team. The present paper thinks that this view can not only explain the origin of language and knowledge, but also deepen the research of Trnasknowletology. If the essence of translation is knowledge, the essence of knowledge is embodiment-cognition, thus Transknowletology and Embodied-Cognitive Tanslatology are on the same track.

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    Business English in the Context of the New Liberal Arts: Key Issues and Development Paths
    ZHAN Jun
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (4): 45-53.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.04.005
    Abstract202)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1403KB)(88)       Save

    From the perspective of ESP, Business English, in nature, is a transnational Business Lingua Franca whose core value lies in the capacity to communicate in an international business environment. From the perspectives of disciplines/majors, Business English focuses on the communicative ability that comes from multidisciplinary fusion and has been well-accepted as an emerging academic discipline formulated by its character of interdisciplinary fusion and multidisciplinary crossing. However, the primary problems originating from the multidisciplinary fusion have remained unsolved even up to now, making Business English?s positioning still unclear and the research foundation relatively weak. The problems hinder the discipline and the specialty of Business English from further development. Developing Business English by building its discipline and updating its curriculum is urgent; it is crucial to have the teaching content and means to keep updated with economic growth and technological progress. Besides, the teaching staff of Business English need to improve their interdisciplinary academic literacies and the policies of administrating policy on interdisciplinary research require substantial reform. Those abovementioned are the main hindrances making business English lag behind domestic economic development. For these problems, the paper presents practical solutions, which the New Liberal Art earnestly calls for.

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    40 Years of Cultivation of Compound Talents for English Majors: Cncepts and Practice
    YE Huijun, LI Na
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (5): 124-132.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.05.012
    Abstract188)   HTML14)    PDF(pc) (1376KB)(122)       Save
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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
    Abstract187)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1482KB)(89)       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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    Metacognitive Engagement of Chinese College Students in English Deep Reading:An Empirical Study Based on Digital Footprint
    CHEN Dongchun, DENG Yujie
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (5): 83-92.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.05.008
    Abstract183)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1968KB)(101)       Save

    Currently, digital reading has become a fashionable form of reading, deeply influencing the reading behavior of college students and leading to a scarcity of deep reading. From the perspective of metacognitive engagement theory, deep reading is closely related to metacognitive engagement. Developing a scale of metacognitive engagement in English reading based on digital footprints can help examine the status of deep reading in readers. By constructing the scale and conducting empirical research on the digital footprints of students from multiple universities in English reading, the results show that the metacognitive engagement of Chinese college students in English reading is insufficient. Individual differences are mainly reflected in the aspects of timing and strategy in the behavior engagement, as well as the aspects of concentration and persistence in the thinking engagement. There is an overall lack of emotional engagement, and deep reading has not been universally achieved. The design of the scale of metacognitive engagement provides references for the optimization of digital reading platforms and the exploration of the pathways to promote English deep reading.

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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
    Abstract178)   HTML2)    PDF(pc) (1402KB)(193)       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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    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
    Abstract175)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (2109KB)(121)       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 Textual Research from “Academic” to “Academic Translation”
    YIN Haihong
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (4): 106-112.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.04.012
    Abstract168)   HTML2)    PDF(pc) (1159KB)(50)       Save

    Academic translation plays an irreplaceable role in introducing western academic achievements to China, which is promoting academic development and exchanges. Comparing with other categories of translation, studies and criticism on academic translation are relatively inadequate. The impedimental factors could be attributed to the unclear concepts, which cause blurry objects and scope in academic translation criticism and research. This article therefore chooses to investigate the source, concept and evolution of “academic” by reviewing and analyzing of the history of academic development both in china and western world. Then the distinguishing characteristics of modern academics are excavated and described, which helps to clarify the conceptual connotation and extension of academic translation. Then, in order to define and distinguish the concept of academic translation both in a broad and a narrow way, this article proposes to take academic genre as the standard for classifying academic translation. In a word, the study is expected to lay a conceptual foundation for in-depth and systematic academic translation research, and indirectly contribute to improving the quality of academic translation and inspire the theoretical studies such as translation evaluation and criticism.

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    The Past and Future of Foreign Language Reading Research:A Visual Study of Literature Based on CNKI and WOS Databases
    FAN Li
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (5): 112-123.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.05.011
    Abstract168)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (2502KB)(71)       Save

    Reading plays a significant role in the study and teaching of foreign languages. This paper uses CiteSpace to visually analyze the literature from CNKI (1982.1-2021.9) and WOS (2001.1-2021.12) from a variety of angles, including research issues, development, methods, etc. The goal is to identify the current state of reading research, explore its trends, and examine the similarities and differences between reading research conducted domestically and abroad. It attempts to offer recommendations for implementing scientific, localized, diversified, and organized research and teaching of foreign language reading.

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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
    Abstract167)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(334)       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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    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
    Abstract166)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1516KB)(149)       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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    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
    Abstract165)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1199KB)(93)       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
    Abstract163)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1712KB)(141)       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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    Promoting Foreign Language Education in the New Era with the Aid of Chinese Language and Culture:An Interview with Prof. PAN Wenguo
    WANG Yuhong, PAN Wenguo
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (4): 8-15.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.04.001
    Abstract157)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1215KB)(73)       Save

    This is an interview with Prof. Pan Wenguo on the relationship between the study of Chinese language and culture and foreign language education in the New Era. Firstly, the reasons for laying emphasis on the study of Chinese Language and culture in foreign language education are explained:addressing the problems in foreign language education and research, returning to the fine tradition of foreign language education in China, deepening the understanding of language and language education, and meeting the new requirements of current global situation for foreign language education. Secondly, the essence of Chinese language and culture is interpreted:the key to learning well the Chinese language is to master Chinese characters and the way of writing articles, and the core of the Chinese culture is a system centering upon the pursuit for a well-governed world. Finally, the key factors in Chinese language and culture study for foreign language majors are pointed out:good textbooks, competent teachers and appropriate teaching methods.

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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
    Abstract156)   HTML2)    PDF(pc) (1688KB)(54)       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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