纯外语专业停招后，涌现“外语+”新赛道

Core Viewpoint - Many universities in China are discontinuing foreign language majors in favor of interdisciplinary programs that cultivate composite talents, reflecting a shift towards "foreign language +" models in education [1][2]. Group 1: Changes in Foreign Language Programs - Shanghai University of Finance and Economics has stopped enrolling in 12 foreign language majors, including English, while East China Normal University has discontinued 24 majors, including German [1]. - The trend of discontinuing traditional foreign language programs is seen across various universities, including the University of Science and Technology of China and Beijing Language and Culture University [1]. - The emergence of large language models has raised questions about the necessity of traditional foreign language programs in the context of increasing emphasis on STEM fields [1]. Group 2: Interdisciplinary Approaches - The English major at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics has been replaced with a Business English program, focusing on cultivating talents in "foreign language + finance + digital intelligence" [2]. - Other universities, such as Shanghai International Studies University and Tongji University, are also rebranding their foreign language programs to include interdisciplinary elements, such as "Language Science and Intelligent Applications" and "English (Digital Humanities)" [2]. - The curriculum at these institutions now includes courses in data science, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, reflecting a cross-disciplinary trend in foreign language education [2]. Group 3: Regional Studies and International Demand - Regional studies have become a prominent field, with universities establishing research centers to explore cultural and historical contexts of various countries [6]. - Shanghai International Studies University has developed a curriculum that integrates anthropology, history, and geography to enhance regional studies [6]. - There is a significant demand for international civil servants, particularly in organizations like the United Nations, highlighting the need for foreign language skills in international relations [8][9]. Group 4: Specialized Language Training - Shanghai Maritime University has introduced specialized maritime language courses to address the shortage of professional interpreters in the maritime sector [10]. - Shanghai Sanda University is focusing on "foreign language + regional demand" by offering modules in various languages tailored to specific industries, such as business and tourism [10]. - The university's approach includes practical projects to differentiate its offerings from public universities, aiming to produce versatile language professionals [10].