(Yicai) Dec. 9 -- With the rise of artificial intelligence, foreign language studies faces mounting pressure to advance or fall behind. AI is not the end of this discipline, but an opportunity for rebirth.

AI is not the root cause of the foreign language studies’ crisis. It only magnifies long-standing structural issues.

The first challenge is skill displacement. Tools such as DeepSeek and ChatGPT can deliver high-precision translation and standardized writing in seconds and can be used for core professional competencies, including literature search and cross-cultural communication. If foreign language studies remains confined to a mere language training tool, its rationale will be questioned.

The second challenge is an outdated positioning. For decades, foreign language education has emphasized cultivating students’ identification with the cultures of the countries the languages are from, overlooking the fundamental role of foreign languages as “cross-cultural communication tools” that serve national strategy. Some educators responded to AI with avoidance, lacking innovation that aligns with real-world demand.

To move forward, foreign language studies must embrace three non-avoidable aspects: not avoiding the displacement pressure brought by AI, not avoiding historical misalignment in disciplinary positioning, and not avoiding technological integration.

A conceptual upgrade is necessary. AI can replace mechanical language training, but it cannot replicate the depth of cross-cultural understanding, the wisdom of value judgment, and the humanistic care that underpins effective communication.

The goal of foreign language training should shift from producing “language tool users” to cultivating “cross-cultural strategic communicators.” Talent development must be closely integrated with efforts to share Chinese culture globally, making it clear that the purpose of learning foreign languages is not to adopt other cultures but to understand them to better serve national strategy.

On the technology front, foreign language studies must build a collaborative model of ‘foreign languages + Chinese + AI + national strategy,’ supported by interdisciplinary teaching teams that combine expertise in languages, AI, and specialized fields. Students should gain professional literacy, AI-driven data competencies, and cross-cultural communication skills.

The AI era does not mark the end but the rebirth of foreign language studies. Time is vital: recognizing the need for reform means acting swiftly and well. With AI as an enabler, foreign language studies can evolve from a marginalized liberal arts discipline into a core pillar supporting international communication, national strategy, and broader social development.

The author of this article is Sun Yixue, dean of the International School of Tongji University.

Editor: Futura Costaglione