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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
    Abstract545)   HTML22)    PDF(pc) (1279KB)(839)       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
    Abstract378)   HTML12)    PDF(pc) (1394KB)(210)       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
    Abstract270)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1516KB)(488)       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
    Abstract248)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1482KB)(131)       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
    Abstract238)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1342KB)(68)       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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    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
    Abstract237)   HTML7)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(627)       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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    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
    Abstract232)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1402KB)(348)       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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    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
    Abstract221)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1688KB)(110)       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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    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
    Abstract218)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (2109KB)(143)       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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    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
    Abstract216)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1199KB)(113)       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 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
    Abstract210)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (1021KB)(111)       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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    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
    Abstract206)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1712KB)(160)       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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    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
    Abstract193)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(417)       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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    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
    Abstract166)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1300KB)(577)       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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    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
    Abstract161)   HTML14)    PDF(pc) (1385KB)(218)       Save

    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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    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
    Abstract160)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1299KB)(186)       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 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
    Abstract158)   HTML2)    PDF(pc) (1601KB)(96)       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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    Reflections on the Professional Development of Teachers Empowered by Communities of Practice in the Context of Educational Modernization
    SHI Zhiyan, ZHAI Jun, YIN Jing
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 127-135.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.013
    Abstract156)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1300KB)(98)       Save

    Teacher practical knowledge is one of the important influencing factors for teacher professional development. This study takes college English teachers as the subjects, and through qualitative research methods, collects data such as interviews, classroom observations, teaching logs, and teaching courseware to examine their development of practical knowledge after participating in the community of practice, and explores the path of professional development of college English teachers under the background of the modernization of education. The study found that after the experiment, the subjects fully affirmed the role of information technology in promoting teaching and learning, and their practical knowledge level was improved. The problems in teaching design, classroom implementation, and post class reflection were all improved, but no significant changes were found in teacher concepts, knowledge foundation, and teaching practice. Overall, the development of practical knowledge among teachers is influenced by various factors such as teachers themselves, work environment, and external support. Focusing on the practical knowledge research of teachers in the context of educational modernization has certain enlightening significance for teacher development, school management, and educational informatization construction.

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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
    Abstract154)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1418KB)(122)       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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    Wang Rongpei's English Translation of Chinese Classics: A Transknowletological Perspective
    ZHOU Fujuan
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (6): 39-45.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.06.004
    Abstract153)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1129KB)(109)       Save

    Wang Rongpei's English translation of Chinese classics has been studied extensively by scholars from various perspectives. However, there has been limited research conducted from the perspective of Transknowletology, which views translation as a cultural behavior and social practice in knowledge processing, reconstruction, and re-publicization through cross-linguistic interaction between local knowledge and global knowledge. This paper aims to explain Wang Rongpei's translating selection, as well as his translating thoughts, which aim to convey the full meaning and flavor of the original text, within the framework of Transknowletology. This approach will broaden the scope of translators' studies.

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