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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
    Abstract1499)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1222KB)(225)       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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    Translation and Area Studies from a Transknowletological Perspective
    LI Ping
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (1): 16-23.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.01.002
    Abstract1220)   HTML38)    PDF(pc) (1139KB)(420)       Save

    Area Studies is characterized by its cross-country, cross-linguistic, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary knowledge production. Translation has long been regarded only as a tool for language transformation in Area Studies. Transknowletology theory defines the essence of translation as an action of knowledge reprocessing and discourse reconstructing. With the framework of Transknowletology, this research has made an observation on the relationship between translation and Area Studies from the dimensions of knowledge production and knowledge dissemination. It is found that translation and Area Studies are linked by knowledge, and are mutually-constructed and co-developed. Translation in Areas Studies functions in making knowledge reconstruction and knowledge dissemination in new contexts, and Areas Studies translation stimulates new translation practice field, translation knowledge domain as well as translation talents cultivation. With the fast development of Area Studies, it is certain that translation will play an increasingly important role in its knowledge production, knowledge flow, knowledge transfer, knowledge dialogue and knowledge innovation.

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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
    Abstract1123)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1380KB)(392)       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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    Restoration and Transcendence of Life—On the Aesthetic Features of Chekhov’s Drama
    LI Jiabao, WANG Lijun
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (1): 144-152.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.01.011
    Abstract1094)   HTML25)    PDF(pc) (1556KB)(170)       Save

    Chekhov’s discovery of the original structure of everyday life and its artistic restoration is his great contribution to the world realistic art. The use of a large number of pauses, the creation of lyric atmosphere and the internalization of characters’ actions make the plot of the drama “non-conflicted” and restore the original structure of mediocrity and absurdity of daily life; The circular dramatic structure and the elimination of the logic of language make its drama present the anti-dramatic feature of “non-causality” and expose the absurd essence of human alienation by time; It does not follow the routine of tragedy, comedy and drama, which makes its drama “non-typological”, and analyses life with extraordinary sobriety and perspective beyond time and space. It accurately summarizes and artistically expresses the solemn and stirring and pain of the disappearance of human significance in time, and gives comic attention, which sublimates the aesthetic significance of Chekhov’s drama. His anti-traditional rules of drama creation challenge people’s inherent aesthetic habits, realize drama innovation, and leave a far-reaching impact on future generations from creation to connotation.

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    A Comparative Analysis of Empirical Studies on Foreign Language Education at Home and Abroad
    XU Jinfen, YANG Jiaqi
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (2): 113-123.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.02.011
    Abstract1086)   HTML21)    PDF(pc) (1768KB)(458)       Save

    The present paper reviews the empirical studies on foreign language education published in SSCI and CSSCI journals from 2009 to 2022 using the bibliometric analysis tool CiteSpace. After giving an overview of this research area based on the annual publication status, the paper first examines the research subjects, contexts, topics, methods, and theoretical perspectives of the field in China and abroad, and then reveals the research hotspots and deduces the future trends for the field based on the data in the past five years. The findings are as follows: (1) Fruitful results have been achieved both at home and abroad in terms of the empirical investigations into foreign language education, but the research in China is currently lagging behind; (2) Insufficient attention has been paid to primary school students and foreign languages other than English (LOTEs) by both domestic and international researchers; (3) Empirical studies in SSCI and CSSCI journals have focused on various microscopical issues, their research methods and data collection tools are diversified, and they tend to employ similar theoretical frameworks; (4) With the continuous development of information technology, both domestic and foreign scholars are paying increasing attention to technology-empowered foreign language education. Based on the above findings, suggestions on future research are put forward.

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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
    Abstract1012)   HTML34)    PDF(pc) (1279KB)(2248)       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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    Multimodal Discourse Analysis: A New Paradigm of Teacher Discourse Research
    YANG Yi, CHEN Changlai
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2022, 22 (4): 144-153.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2022.04.014
    Abstract926)   HTML17)    PDF(pc) (1492KB)(366)       Save

    Multimodal discourse analysis should become a new paradigm of teacher discourse research. It is an cross-disciplinary study of linguistics, pedagogy and computer science, which aims to analyze the process of how teachers make a mixed use of different symbol resources to achieve teaching objectives and the interaction mechanism between different symbol resources. The core of the research route is to determine the annotation scheme and form the analytical framework. In this multimodal discourse analysis, the Elan labeling scheme is formed from the starting point of “establishing research perspective” in tieto-truth modeling. Based on this scheme, the raw corpus is processed and annotated and a multi-modal teacher corpus is built. Then a structural frame of reference is constructed based on the relationship between the two sets of modes, namely “intensification - non-intensification” and “complementation-non-complementation”, on which forming a “ framework for modal interaction analysis of teacher discourse” is based. This framework is used as a tool of multi-modal analysis of teacher discourse. With the help of this new paradigm, the multi-modal corpus of famous foreign language teachers can be constructed to highlight the special attributes of famous teachers, so as to promote the formation of multidimensional teaching evaluation ideas, and contribute to the creation of “golden lessons” in a comprehensive and precise way.

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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
    Abstract905)   HTML17)    PDF(pc) (1394KB)(275)       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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    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
    Abstract900)   HTML8)    PDF(pc) (1301KB)(1217)       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.

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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
    Abstract850)   HTML11)    PDF(pc) (1070KB)(145)       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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    New Thought of Ecolinguistics and Its Implications to Ecological Discourse Analysis
    HA Changchen, HUANG Guowen
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2022, 22 (5): 88-96.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2022.05.010
    Abstract831)   HTML14)    PDF(pc) (1316KB)(355)       Save

    Arran Stibbe defines the term “ecolinguistics” as “the study of the role of language in the life-sustaining interactions of humans with other species and the physical environment” in the monograph of second edition entitled Ecolinguistics (Stibbe 2021). Previous studies inclined to “influencing how humans treat ecosystems”, however, it has been changed into “seeing language as part of ecosystems” under the guidance of new thought. Starting from Stibbe’s recent thought, this study reviews ecolinguistics studies and the general framework of discourse analysis, focusing on implications for ecological discourse analysis in China. The results show that our ecological discourse analysis should concentrate on three aspects: (1) exploring the ecological value of our traditional culture, (2) refining the types of ecological discourse, and (3) improving the level of ecological literacy. This is of great significance in terms of further developments of ecolinguistics studies in China.

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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
    Abstract828)   HTML12)    PDF(pc) (1516KB)(1043)       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
    Abstract827)   HTML6)    PDF(pc) (1704KB)(274)       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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    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
    Abstract784)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1482KB)(219)       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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    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
    Abstract783)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1018KB)(196)       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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    The Structures of European and American Poetry and Their Chinese Translation Strategies
    WU Di
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2023, 23 (1): 5-15.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2023.01.001
    Abstract728)   HTML13)    PDF(pc) (1663KB)(320)       Save

    This paper intends to discuss the Chinese translation of European and American poetry from three aspects, including the structural elements of poetry and the role of translators, the rhythm of poetry and its presentation in translation, and the musical qualities of poetry and its translation strategies. It is believed that in the process of translating poetry, not only the microscopic internal word structure of poetry should not be neglected, but also the harmonious and coherent macroscopic logical structure of poetry should be emphasized. Whether it is a rhyme scheme, rhythm, or meter, they are all significant elements of poetry and an important proposition that must be faced in translation. Musicality is the soul of poetry, and the ability to convey the musical qualities of the poems is a crucial step to achieving success in translation.

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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
    Abstract725)   HTML10)    PDF(pc) (1170KB)(221)       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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    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
    Abstract717)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (1321KB)(2779)       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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    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
    Abstract715)   HTML16)    PDF(pc) (1376KB)(160)       Save
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    Neural Network Models in Natural Language Processing
    FENG Zhiwei, DING Xiaomei
    Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies    2022, 22 (4): 98-110.   DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-8921.2022.04.010
    Abstract710)   HTML9)    PDF(pc) (2480KB)(319)       Save

    Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a new interdisciplinary subject to study and process the natural language by computer. In recent years, NLP has developed very rapidly and it attracted great attention from the linguistic community. This paper discusses four types of neural network model in natural language processing: Feed-forward Neural Network model (FNN), Convolutional Neural Network model (CNN), Recurrent Neural Network model (RNN), and Pre-Training model (PT), including the basic principle, structure, algorithm, and mechanism of the model, highlights their application in NLP. The paper points out that although the neural network models have become the mainstream of NLP, but these models still lack interpretability and need to be supported by rule-based language models and statistics-based language models in the futur.

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