Chinese universities are increasingly merging or eliminating foreign language departments as Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforms language education and employment prospects deteriorate. Recently, Guilin University of Information Technology dissolved its School of Foreign Trade and Foreign Languages, transferring language instruction to a newly established School of General Education while merging its faculty into the Business School. According to Chinese media, at least 10 universities have restructured foreign language departments since 2025, with several also suspending enrollment in language majors.
Analysts attribute the trend to rapid advances in AI-powered translation, which have diminished demand for traditional language skills, as well as a weakening job market for language graduates. Employment data show that foreign language majors have below-average job placement rates and salaries, while English has been identified as an oversupplied major in several provinces.
Rather than abandoning foreign language education, many universities are integrating language training with disciplines such as business, communications, and international studies to cultivate graduates with broader, interdisciplinary skill sets that are better aligned with evolving labor market demands.
Source: Epoch Times, May 31, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/5/31/n14778725.htm