(Written by Jiang Nan)
As we enter the 2020s, profound changes in the world, society, and history are unfolding in unprecedented ways. International educational and technological cooperation will significantly bolster the construction of a skills-based society and promote social development. In the context of a rapidly evolving technological revolution, digital economy, and industrial transformation, language remains a crucial bridge for civilizational exchange and an essential vehicle for international cooperation in cultivating global talents. With pressing tasks at hand, there is an urgent need for foreign language professionals to develop new productive forces, advance high-level openness, and achieve high-quality economic growth.
Traditional foreign language learning models often suffer from low efficiency and a lack of personalization, making it difficult to meet the new and higher demands for cultivating foreign language professionals in the modern era. For many years, Dr. Fang Xiang has been engaged in foreign language teaching and talent development at various universities both domestically and internationally. His extensive experience in the field has equipped him with rich insights into foreign language education and talent cultivation. Dr. Fang holds degrees in Russian language and literature, translation, and comparative linguistics, demonstrating his profound knowledge and solid academic foundation. Proficient in multiple languages, including Russian, English, and French, he actively explores innovative paths in foreign language education and talent development, leveraging his deep linguistic theory background and rich experience in language learning and research. During his tenure, he has served as the head of programs in Russian and other less commonly taught languages, overseeing their preparation and development. He has conducted thorough evaluations, established high standards for talent training programs and teaching syllabi, and promoted the construction of relevant course modules, systems, and textbooks. Dr. Fang has also initiated innovations in teaching methods and practical approaches, focusing on attracting talent and enhancing the quality of specialized instruction and research within the discipline. He has also led and participated in several teaching reform and research projects, effectively enhancing the practicality and relevance of foreign language courses. This has provided students with a more comprehensive, enriched, and broader language learning experience. His leadership in developing non-English and less commonly taught language programs has led to significant breakthroughs, transforming these programs from nonexistent to established within his province. This effort aligns with national development strategies and regional planning, contributing to the transition of his area from a low point in foreign language education to a center of excellence, thereby significantly improving the quality of foreign language talent cultivation in the new era.
Dr. Fang recognizes the necessity of evolving language learning methodologies. He has actively introduced advanced technologies to develop innovative solutions that reinvigorate foreign language instruction. Notably, the “Deep Learning-driven Language Acquisition and Personalized Teaching Platform” and the “Virtual Reality Language Environment Construction and Practical Teaching System” stand out. These technological innovations have not only enhanced teaching effectiveness but also fundamentally transformed traditional language learning models, making the learning process more efficient, interactive, and engaging to meet students’ individualized and practical learning needs.
The “Deep Learning-driven Language Acquisition and Personalized Teaching Platform” utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze student learning data and styles, crafting tailored learning plans. The system automatically monitors progress, identifies knowledge gaps, and provides targeted resources and suggestions. This personalized interaction boosts learning efficiency and motivation, enabling students to master language skills at their own pace.
The “Virtual Reality Language Environment Construction and Practical Teaching System” creates an immersive language learning environment through virtual reality technology, allowing students to experience the pragmatic context and cultural ambiance of the target language. Engaging with virtual characters in simulated real-life scenarios enhances language practice, effectively stimulating student interest and improving language proficiency.
These innovative technologies offer learners the possibility of multilingual, efficient, low-cost, and personalized study. Beyond technological advancements, Dr. Fang has made significant contributions to linguistics research, leading and participating in numerous projects related to foreign language education and linguistics. He has published over 20 papers on medical linguistics, terminology studies, comparative analysis of medical terms, and translation issues, enriching the theoretical framework of linguistics and providing valuable references for practical foreign language education.
Dr. Fang’s academic research and technological innovations have garnered widespread attention and high recognition within the academic community. The application of these innovations in teaching activities has also received extensive praise from students. The courses he teaches are highly popular among students due to his engaging teaching style and outstanding learning outcomes. He has been honored with the title of Excellent Teacher at the university level and received various awards for teaching excellence over the years. These accolades not only affirm his personal efforts but also reflect his significant impact in the field of foreign language education.
In this interview, Dr. Fang expressed his commitment to continuing his efforts in foreign language education and research, aiming to promote high-quality development of foreign language programs and innovations in teaching, thereby enhancing the efficiency and enjoyment of language learning. He also aspires to contribute to the emerging interdisciplinary field of medical linguistics, striving to nurture more exceptional language talents. Dr. Fang firmly believes that by adhering to the intrinsic principles of foreign language education and proactively adapting to the demands of modern talent cultivation, leveraging modern information, internet, and digital technologies, and actively building comprehensive online teaching platforms and student support services, foreign language learning can become more efficient and engaging. This approach will provide robust support for enhancing students’ language abilities, ultimately cultivating high-level foreign language professionals who can contribute to China’s modernization, global peace, security, and the development of all humanity.
Dr. Fang Xiang’s innovative approach provides valuable insights and profound inspiration for the fields of foreign language education and linguistics research. His success clarifies the direction for linguistic development and lays a solid foundation for future innovations in foreign language education and multilingual talent cultivation. He will continue to delve into foreign language education and research, striving for dual progress in academic study and teaching practice. With the collective efforts of Dr. Fang and other foreign language education experts, we believe significant contributions will be made to enhance the quality of foreign language talent cultivation, promote innovation in foreign language disciplines, and strengthen national foreign language capabilities.
