Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of language education and the impact of AI on the demand for language professionals, highlighting the shift from traditional language skills to a need for additional competencies in various fields [6][12][19]. Group 1: Industry Changes - The demand for language professionals, particularly in Japanese, has been significantly affected by the rapid advancement of AI technology, leading to a decline in traditional language programs in universities [17][18]. - Between 2018 and 2022, 101 universities in China canceled foreign language programs, with Japanese being the most affected, as the industry struggles to align with market needs [17][18]. - The number of students taking Japanese in the national college entrance examination (Gaokao) increased from under 10,000 in 2016 to 123,500 in 2020, but has since seen a decline due to changes in exam difficulty and market saturation [10][11]. Group 2: Educational Adjustments - Educational institutions are adapting to the changing landscape by emphasizing a "language + skill" model, integrating language studies with other professional fields such as AI, international relations, and business [19][20]. - Universities are increasingly focusing on interdisciplinary programs that combine language skills with other competencies, reflecting the need for a more versatile workforce [19][20]. - The shift in educational focus is a response to the reality that language alone is no longer sufficient for career success, as employers seek candidates with a broader skill set [15][19]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The translation industry is expected to evolve rather than disappear, with AI taking over routine translation tasks while human translators will focus on more complex and nuanced work [18][19]. - The growth of AI translation companies has surged, with 1,545 firms reported by the end of 2024, indicating a significant shift in the industry landscape [18]. - The future of language education will likely involve a greater emphasis on cultural understanding and the application of language skills in various professional contexts, rather than solely on translation [19][20].

Core Concept - The "Education Strong Nation" strategy aims to support and lead Chinese-style modernization by cultivating a large number of high-quality talents, with foreign language talents being crucial for global governance and cultural exchange [1] Group 1: Concept Innovation - The core contradiction in cultivating applied foreign language talents has shifted from "language skill shortage" to "insufficient cross-cultural empowerment ability" [2] - The focus must transition from training "tool users" to "empowerers" who can effectively communicate China's narrative and participate in international rule-making [2] - A three-pronged educational framework of "value shaping, ability cultivation, and knowledge transmission" is proposed to support this transition [2] Group 2: Curriculum Innovation - A modular, project-based, and interdisciplinary "Foreign Language +" curriculum system is essential to meet the demand for composite foreign language talents [3] - The curriculum should integrate "Foreign Language + Professional," "Foreign Language + Technology," and "Foreign Language + Chinese Studies" to enhance practical application and cultural understanding [3] Group 3: Model Innovation - The strategy emphasizes deepening industry-education integration and advancing digital education to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements [4] - Project-based learning (PBL) will be implemented to align educational content with real-world business needs, creating a closed-loop mechanism involving enterprises and educators [4] - Collaborative education involving government, industry, academia, and research will create a diverse educational community [4] Group 4: Faculty Innovation - The quality of the teaching staff is critical, necessitating the establishment of a "dual-teacher" international teaching team with global perspectives and practical experience [5] - Teachers are required to have industry experience and obtain relevant qualifications to enhance their teaching capabilities [6] Group 5: Evaluation Innovation - A multi-dimensional evaluation system is needed to assess the composite abilities and practical skills of applied foreign language talents, moving beyond traditional examination methods [6] - The evaluation should combine process and outcome assessments, incorporating feedback mechanisms to improve educational outcomes [6] Group 6: Overall Strategy - The innovation in cultivating applied foreign language talents is a systematic project that requires breaking down barriers and integrating across disciplines to produce talents proficient in foreign languages and international rules [7]