Foreign language departments across China are facing massive cutbacks as artificial intelligence reshapes the translation landscape. Local media reports show numerous universities are either suspending enrollment for foreign language majors or eliminating the programs entirely.
Major institutions including Henan University and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics have stopped admitting students to foreign language undergraduate programs, according to reports from Yicai Global and Chengdu Daily on Saturday. The trend comes as AI technology spreads rapidly while the supply of foreign language graduates has already reached saturation, analysts say.
Just over a decade ago, foreign language majors were among the most sought-after programs in China. In 2013, 70 universities nationwide launched new business English departments, while 46 institutions established translation studies programs. By 2016, English ranked second in the gaokao college entrance exam major search rankings, demonstrating its popularity.
English departments still dominate Chinese higher education. As of July this year, 984 of China's 1,308 universities operate English programs, making it the most commonly offered major. More than 100,000 students graduated with English degrees last year alone.
However, the spread of AI translation has fueled a growing sense of crisis, with many now believing that translation apps are sufficient for everything from document and video translation to travel communication.
Some Chinese internet users have expressed skepticism, questioning whether humans still need to learn foreign languages at all. But Xinjingbao, a Chinese media outlet, cautioned against hasty program closures in a commentary, noting that "no matter how efficient AI translation becomes, it cannot match humans in improvisation or emotional perception."
The commentary urged universities to view the enrollment suspensions as an opportunity for fresh thinking, emphasizing the need to consider practical foreign language education in an era where AI has become a powerful tool.
