Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU), a prestigious institution known for its focus on language education, has announced the cancellation of admissions for several foreign-language master's programs starting in 2025. This strategic move reflects a wider trend in Chinese higher education, where the landscape of foreign-language disciplines is being redefined to meet modern demands.
The affected programs at BLCU include translation and interpretation in Russian, Japanese, German, Korean, and Spanish. In a parallel move, the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing has also suspended its Italian interpretation master's program.
Data from the Ministry of Education (MOE) indicates that between 2018 and 2022, 109 Chinese universities discontinued 28 foreign-language-related disciplines, highlighting a significant shift in academic priorities. The adjustments are driven by changes in university focus, enrollment trends, and employment prospects, with a particular emphasis on optimizing education resources.
The challenges faced by foreign-language programs are multifaceted, including the impact of AI and evolving social needs. A 2023 employment report revealed lower employment rates and job satisfaction for English language and translation programs, signaling a need for reform.
Professor Cai Jigang of Fudan University has voiced concerns about the traditional emphasis on language and literature, suggesting that integration with technological and economic knowledge is essential for modern relevance.
In line with the central authorities' call for reform, the MOE is encouraging the development of interdisciplinary courses and talent cultivation in foreign-related fields. By 2025, universities are expected to optimize and adjust around one-fifth of their academic disciplines, fostering new programs that align with emerging technologies and industries.
Universities are responding by integrating language programs with other disciplines, exploring dual-degree programs that combine foreign languages with fields like law, finance, journalism, computer science, and AI. These initiatives aim to cultivate multidisciplinary talents that can contribute to China's strategic Belt and Road Initiative and global economic engagement.
Source :
Editor: Crystal H
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