Digital Transformation of Compulsory-stage Foreign Language Education in Chinese Mainland: Hurdles and Pathways

Digital Transformation of Compulsory-stage Foreign Language Education in Chinese Mainland: Hurdles and Pathways

Professor Ye ZHU

Institute of Language Sciences

Shanghai International Studies University
 

July 6, 2026 (Monday)

12:45 - 14:00

Room 646, Meng Wah Complex, HKU

Chair: Professor George Jiang

Abstract:

This talk explores the digital transformation of foreign language education within Chinese mainland's compulsory education system, analyzing its driving forces, key challenges, and strategic pathways for meaningful implementation. It will identify national policy mandates and evolving pedagogical needs as critical catalysts, while addressing persistent hurdles such as regional inequity and the necessity of moving beyond superficial technology adoption toward deep pedagogical integration. The proposed pathways emphasize the development of AI-enhanced, adaptive learning platforms, the curation of standardized digital resources, and the design of blended environments that extend learning beyond the classroom. Crucially, the discussion advocates for a human-centric strategy that positions technology as a tool to empower teachers, enrich cultural understanding, and foster communicative competence. The ultimate goal is to outline a coherent approach for building a more equitable, engaging, and effective foreign language ecosystem that prepares students for global citizenship in the digital era.
 

About the speaker

Professor Ye Zhu is Professor of Linguistics in the Institute of Language Sciences at Shanghai International Studies University. He is currently the deputy director of China Center for Language Planning and Policy Studies (CCLPPS), a national research base of the State Language Commission and a national language policy think tank. Professor Zhu serves as Executive Council Member of the China Association of Educational Linguistics and Council Member of the Sociolinguistics Division of the Chinese Language Society. His research interests include language planning and policy, foreign language education, and technology-enhanced language learning. Professor Zhu has published widely in both English and Chinese, with books, journal articles, book chapters and newspaper articles. His latest research articles have been published in System, RELC Journal, Applied Linguistics, Current Issues in Language Planning, International Journal of Multilingualism, and Linguistics and Education.
 

~ This seminar is sponsored by Tin Ka Ping Visiting Fellowship Scheme ~