Dear MEL Topic Readers,
English majors face uncertain future as AI replaces basic skills
Some students choose language majors for their interests, while others study
foreign languages for their careers. However, AI tools aren’t limited to just
one foreign language that students major in. They can now translate many languages
almost accurately, quite fluently, and economically, 24/7 for most business and
practical purposes. As a result, those who have majored in foreign languages
are not as in demand as they were before in China. In the last few years, Chinese
students with foreign language majors have had difficulty finding good jobs, if
any. For example, international trade and business hires declined from 28
percent in 2010 to 18 percent in 2023, while translation and localization roles
dropped from 15 percent to 8 percent during the period. Accordingly, Chinese
students are now choosing more practical and skill-oriented majors, such as IT
or engineering. Accordingly, some universities, including top-tier ones, have stopped
enrollment for foreign language majors and master’s programs. Even though language
learning isn’t limited to translation, more Chinese students now prefer studying
more business-oriented academic fields or developing practical skills in
college for their careers.
Read the article and learn how AI affects college majors in China.
