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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
    Abstract1430)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1222KB)(156)       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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    On the Forms of English Translation of Sanguoyanyi and Their Functions
    XU Duo
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (3): 66-74.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.03.008
    Abstract982)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1380KB)(291)       Save

    Translations are an essential object of the study of translation and a straightforward path for readers to gain an understanding of the literature and culture of other nations. Sanguoyanyi has been translated into English over two centuries, and its English translation takes on a variety of forms, each serving a unique function. The abridged translation puts emphasis on the portrayal of the core characters and the narrative of the key episodes; the full translation pays more attention to the systematic presentation of the history and literary values of the original text; the compilative translation aims at the dissemination of the culture of the Three Kingdoms; the condensed translation demonstrates the catering to contemporary readers. Analysis of the different translation forms of the English translation of Sanguoyanyi and their functions help to grasp the relationship between translation forms and functions. It also contributes to choosing the appropriate translation form for translating and introducing the culture of the Three Kingdoms to foreign countries.

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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
    Abstract873)   HTML33)    PDF(pc) (1279KB)(1810)       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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    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
    Abstract740)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1070KB)(138)       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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    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
    Abstract725)   HTML16)    PDF(pc) (1394KB)(254)       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
    Abstract705)   HTML12)    PDF(pc) (1516KB)(999)       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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    “Proximization” as a Positive Discourse Strategy:A Case Study of Zhu Ziqing’s Essay “Spring”
    LUO Xuanmin, CAO Yunzhi
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (3): 103-113.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.03.012
    Abstract675)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1704KB)(241)       Save

    “Proximization”, as a new perspective of discourse analysis, is widely used in Critical Discourse Analysis. Its assumption is that discourse producer usually depicts the Outside Deictic Center (ODC) as a dangerous entity gradually moving closer to the Inside Deictic Center (IDC), and persuades IDC to take actions against impending ODC to legalize their illegal actions. Thus, proximization is assigned a negative coloring. However, in this research it is found that “proximization” can be used as a positive discourse strategy for Positive Discourse Analysis. ODC is not always negative or dangerous,but sometimes it is friendly and beneficial to IDC. This research takes the prose “Spring” (by Zhu Ziqing) as an example, from the perspective of spatial proximization, temporal proximization and axiological proximization, to have made positive discourse analysis of the prose “Spring”. It has been found that the relationship between ODC and IDC in the prose “Spring” is not hostile but harmonious. ODC transfers positive power to IDC, IDC warmly embracing ODC. It is evident that proximization in the prose “Spring” is a positive discourse strategy.

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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
    Abstract670)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1018KB)(194)       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 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
    Abstract637)   HTML5)    PDF(pc) (1482KB)(199)       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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    The Journey of a Text and Its Regression and Rebirth: The Nature and Value of the Back-Translation of Four Generations in One House
    LI Meizhu, HU Anjiang
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (3): 83-89.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.03.010
    Abstract610)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1170KB)(178)       Save

    With the discovery of Ida Pruitt’s English version, back-translation of Four Generations in One House has become a hot issue. In fact, its fake original and fake targets have gone through deformation and reduction respectively. The study points out that the purpose of back-translation determines its nature of reductionism, taking the author as the center and the original text as the ontology. Under the rule of seeking equivalence, translator’s subjectivity is faced with restrictions. However, the result is by no means the resurrection of the original base, but the original reborn with the translator’s interpretation in the new spatio-temporal context. It is for this reason that the special phenomenon embodies essential characteristics of anti-postmodern translation studies. Meanwhile, the appreciation, revival, and feedback of culture have been accomplished during the process of seeking original base through fake targets, with the help of fake original.

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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
    Abstract601)   HTML16)    PDF(pc) (1376KB)(155)       Save
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    Translinguistic Cognition Studies in Transknowletology
    XIAO Ting, LI Xiaqing, KANG Zhifeng
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (3): 43-50.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.03.005
    Abstract589)   HTML3)    PDF(pc) (1092KB)(316)       Save

    This paper is to provide a new cognitive perspective for the study of Transknowletology and to deepen the cognitive level of Transknowletology. As a new hot topic in the field of translation, Transknowletology has attracted more and more scholars’ attention, and they rectify the name of knowledge and the nature of translation. From the perspective of knowledge cognition,namely from the source language to the target language, translinguistic knowledge, and translinguistic cognition, this paper explores the translinguistic cognitive study of Transknowletology, and the results show that knowledge translation is not only a knowledgeable process of translinguistic, but also a cognitive process of translinguistic. This paper expounds the translinguistic nature of Transknowletology from the aspects of source language cognition, target language cognition and knowledge cognition. This paper also provides a new cognitive perspective for the study of Transknowletology, expands the research path of Transknowletology, enriches the research content of Transknowletology, and thus has a certain enlightenment and reference for later relative studies of Transknowletology.

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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
    Abstract588)   HTML11)    PDF(pc) (1268KB)(154)       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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    On Legal Translation from the Perspective of Transknowletology
    ZHANG Falian, CUI Can
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (3): 25-32.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.03.003
    Abstract581)   HTML11)    PDF(pc) (1266KB)(362)       Save

    To strengthen the construction of the rule of law concerning foreign affairs and tell a good story about the rule of law in China, legal translation has become increasingly important. Starting from the knowledge subject of legal translation, this paper shows the value of knowledge in legal translation from the perspective of transknowletology. Legal translation processes, reconstructs, and spreads Chinese legal ideas, legal language and culture, legal norms, legal texts and other local knowledge across legal systems and languages, so that the local legal knowledge in China and the West can transfer. It is not only conducive for China to fully learn from foreign advanced experience and the beneficial achievements in the rule of law, learn from the global beneficial achievements of the rule of law civilization, but also can make the essence of Chinese legal culture known to the world, and establish the image of “China under the rule of law” in the international community, which can contribute China’s strength to the culture of rule of law in the world.

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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
    Abstract574)   HTML11)    PDF(pc) (1352KB)(141)       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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    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
    Abstract574)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1712KB)(278)       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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    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
    Abstract573)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(1867)       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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    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
    Abstract541)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (2109KB)(175)       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
    Abstract538)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1199KB)(143)       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 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
    Abstract537)   HTML4)    PDF(pc) (1402KB)(1593)       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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