On July 8th, the Second Forum on International Communication and Foreign Language Development, co-sponsored by the Office of the Foreign Affairs Working Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial CPC Committee and Xi’an Fanyi University (XFU), was held in Xi’an. The forum aims to promote the cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and other countries, cultivate talents who can better tell Chinese stories, strengthen the capacity of international communication and comprehensively enhance the efficiency of it, so as to gain the power of discourse that matches China’s comprehensive national strength and international status and promote the spread of Chinese culture to the world.
Gao Jinxiao, Deputy Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Working Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial CPC Committee, Zhong Weihe, pioneer in translation education and Honorary President of XFU, Ding Jing, Chairperson of XFU, Wang Junzhe, Chairperson of the Shaanxi Administry Committee on Higher Education and the Working Committee on Foreign Language and Literature attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Over 30 experts and scholars, including Huang Youyi, Executive Vice Chairperson of Translators Association of China and Vice Chairperson of China Academy of Translation, Jiang Feng, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Shanghai Foreign Studies University and Vice Chairperson of the China National Committee for Translation & Interpreting Education, Sun Youzhong, Chairperson of the National Administry Committee on Teaching English Language to Majors in Higher Education and Vice President of Beijing Foreign Studies University, Wang Junzhe, member of the National Administry Committee on Teaching English Language to Majors in Higher Education, Vice Chairperson of the Japanese Sub-Committee and former President of Xi’an International Studies University, Wang Qilong, Changjiang Scholar of the Ministry of Education and President of Xi’an International Studies University, Peng Qinglong, Changjiang Scholar of the Ministry of Education, Distinguished Professor of Shanghai Jiaotong University and member of the Foreign Language Discipline Ranking Group, and many others, attended this forum. Wu Zhongyuan, Vice President of Xi’an Fanyi University, presided over the opening ceremony.
In his speech, Gao Jinxiao said that translators are an important bridge between China and the world in the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and an indispensable force in the new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. To realize the transformation from “translating world stories” to “translating China’s stories” and to present a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China to the world, there is an urgent need for a large number of high-end translators who have patriotic spirit, political firmness, professional skills, knowledge of home and abroad and are willing to contribute. This forum brings together experts, scholars and media professionals from foreign language universities across the country. It is believed that in the in-depth exchanges of ideas, we would give full play to the exemplary and leading role of foreign language universities and colleges and universities. We would further strengthen the cultivation of high-end translators and effectively promote the coordinated development of foreign translation and international communication capabilities. It is hoped that this forum will become a feast of knowledge and provide useful inspiration and reference for the training of foreign language talents in China. Let us work together and make due contributions to promoting the development of international communication capacity, training more excellent translators and spreading Chinese stories, Chinese proposals and Chinese wisdom to the whole world.
On behalf of Xi’an Fanyi University, Zhong Weihe expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the experts, scholars and participating enterprises, academic institutions and academic journals. He pointed out that China’s foreign language talent training reform is a continuous work, which requires us to constantly adjust the training program and curriculum, and strive to launch new courses. We need to pay attention to economic, cultural and social changes, continuously to improve students’ practical ability and enhance the application of modern technology in talent training, so as to meet the needs of foreign language education and reform. Zhong Weihe hoped that experts and scholars can share their insights on how to improve international communication and how to train high-end foreign language talents in the new era. Besides, he calls for guidance and suggestions on curriculum design, discipline construction and the future development of XFU.
On behalf of XFU, Ding Jing extended a warm welcome to all experts, scholars and teachers, and expressed heartfelt thanks to all the friends who have supported and cared about the reform and development of XFU for a long time. Ding Jing said that when presiding over the collective study of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on strengthening the building of international communication capacity, the General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed the need to deeply understand the importance and necessity of strengthening and improving international communication under the new situation. Great efforts should be made to strengthen the building of international communication capacity so as to gain the power of discourse that matches China’s comprehensive national strength and international status. In order to comprehensively improve the efficiency of international communication, it is the key to build a strong team of professionals to meet the needs of international communication in the new era. Foreign language colleges and universities shoulder the important responsibility of providing talent support for the implementation of President Xi’s diplomatic ideas. Therefore, the holding of this forum is of great significance. Since its establishment in 1987, Xi’an Fanyi University has taken root in the western part of China, serving the development of local society and playing an active role in the field of foreign language education and research in Northwest China. At present, the foreign language education in XFU covers seven languages: English, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Russian and Spanish. Relying on the Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and the African Studies Center, XFU, in cooperation with colleges and universities in Britain, Russia, Germany, South Korea and other countries, set up a “3 + 1” international education programme, which combines the training of international communication talents with international and regional studies. XFU aims to improve the talent training system, strengthen the building of international communication capacity and train talents who can understand China and the world and be able to tell Chinese stories to the world. As a private college, XFU is always ready to contribute its wisdom and strength to comprehensively enhance China’s efficiency of international communication and present a real, three-dimensional and panoramic view of China to the world. The party and the state have put forward higher requirements for the reform of foreign language education and personnel training. In the future, XFU will continue to follow the guidance of the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, adhere to the original intention of higher education, focus on the cultivation of foreign language talents and do a solid job in character education. We will go hand in hand with other fraternal colleges and universities, share resources, promote the building of international communication capacity, and strive to cultivate high-quality foreign language talents who are able to speak foreign languages yet keeps being patriotic and shoulder the responsibility of national rejuvenation.
In his speech, Wang Junzhe said that the Article 44, Chapter V of the Law on Foreign Relations of the People’s Republic of China which was adopted at the third meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress on June 28th this year clearly stipulates that “the State shall strengthen capacity building for international communication, enable the world to learn more about and better understand China, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations”. This is the first time that international communication capacity-building has been written into national law, which will further promote international communication capacity-building and guarantee the development of international relations and the safeguard of national interests. Wang Junzhe pointed out that the capacity building of international communication requires foreign language majors to adhere to the fundamental task of moral education, give full play to their professional advantages to serve the national strategic development, cultivate talents with responsibility, morality and ability, so as to enable them to tell Chinese stories well, actively serve the implementation of national strategy and promote cultural exchanges and mutual learning between China and other countries. Xi’an Fanyi University is a time-honored private university in Shaan’xi province. Since its establishment, the school has highlighted its unique features, served the local development, and played an active role in the field of foreign language education and research in Northwest China. Currently, many new changes have taken place in the world pattern and the layout of international communication in China is facing profound adjustment. Therefore, the training of foreign language talents needs to deepen cooperation and adjustment accordingly, and it is necessary to optimize the curriculum to promote the integrated development of foreign language education and international communication. In the face of the new environment and challenges for international communication, foreign language majors and discipline construction need to shoulder the mission and responsibility to serve the major strategic needs of our country. Wang Junzhe hoped that experts and scholars would jointly bring out valuable suggestions for strengthening the building of international communication capacity at this high-end forum, so as to train more and more foreign language talents for the party and the country. Finally, Wang Junzhe wished the forum a complete success.
In the keynote speech session, the participating experts and scholars shared their academic achievements and discussed the trend of foreign language talents training and international communication. Professor Huang Youyi discussed the specific tasks of current international communication and analyzed the main difficulties in Chinese-to-foreign language translation under the topic of “The Needs of International Communication and the Mission of Chinese-to-Foreign Language Translation”. Professor Jiang Feng shared some of his thoughts on foreign language training and international communication. Professor Sun Youzhong shared a trinity model which would help promote the moral education and new liberal arts discipline construction. Professor Wang Qilong shared his thoughts on the training of foreign language talents in international communication for schools in western China. Professor Peng Qinglong profoundly explained the diversity, exchanges and mutual learning of the world’s cultures. Yu Hongliang, former Vice President of Yangzhou University and member of the China National Committee for Translation & Interpreting Education, delivered a keynote speech on examining the quality of degree education in translation and interpreting. Professor Yuan Xiaolu, Dean of the School of Translation Studies and the School of English Studies of XFU, elaborated on how to enhance the influence and spreading power of Chinese civilization through building China’s international discourse system and maximize the value of foreign language talents training in international communication under the backdrop of strengthening the capacity-building of international communication and comprehensively improving the efficiency of international communication proposed in the report of the 20th CPC National Congress.
Guo Danrui, Deputy Director of the Cadre Office of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial CPC Committee and Director of the Translation Center, put forward constructive suggestions on translator and interpreter training and foreign language education. Zhao Junfeng, Vice Chairman of the China National Committee for Translation & Interpreting Education and doctoral supervisor of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, made a speech entitled “Integration between Industry and Education in Translation Education in the New Era: Ideas, Principles and Approaches”. In her speech, Professor Zhang Ailing, Dean of the Graduate Institute of Interpretation and Translation, Shanghai International Studies University, analyzed the current situation, opportunities and challenges of postgraduate education in translation in China under the background of the era of artificial intelligence in the exchanges and mutual learning of world civilizations. Professor Feng Zhengbin, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies, Chang’an University, took Mo Yan and Jia Pingwa as examples to explore the path of English translation of contemporary Chinese local literature. Under the background of international communication, Lv Shenglu, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department of Foreign Language Education and Journal of Xi’an International Studies University, shared his thoughts about the current situation of the study of foreign language and literature. Professor Zhao Yihui, Deputy Dean of the School of Translation Studies, Xi’an International Studies University, tentatively put forward a concrete training plan for translation and international communication talents based on the international communication strategy of our country. Qin Xiaomei, professor of the School of Translation Studies and Director of the Academic Affairs Office of XFU, took XFU as an example and shared the exploration and practice of the training of foreign language talents in international communication.
Professor Yang Feng, Editor-in-chief of Contemporary Foreign Language Studies and doctoral supervisor of Shanghai Jiaotong University, spoke on the topic of the Locality and Globality of Knowledge: The Fundamental Questions of Translation. Wang Lifei, Dean of the Institute of International Language Services and doctoral supervisor in Beijing Language and Culture University, put forward some suggestions on how to improve the international communication efficiency of Chinese corporate websites at the national and enterprise levels. Feng Guangwu, professor and doctoral supervisor of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, shared his thoughts and suggestions of telling Chinese stories and spreading Chinese culture to the world based on the series of Understanding Contemporary China textbook. Wang Chaowen, senior reporter of the Xinhua News Agency, former party committee secretary and President of Reference News, pointed out that at present, China’s voice in international communication is an important symbol of comprehensive national strength and soft power. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen international communication, build China’s discourse system, and train high-end talents in international communication. He Xiaoxiao, Deputy Director of International Communication Department and Editor-in-chief of CICG Academy of Translation and Interpretation, made a speech on analysis and suggestions on the training of translation and interpretation talents through combining key languages and country and area studies. Professor Huang Jianyou, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication of Xi’an International Studies University, offered suggestions for the cultivation of international communication talents from the perspective of discipline development and discipline system construction. On the basis of combing the present situation of the English translation and introduction of Jia Pingwa’s works, Professor Han Hongjian, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies, Xi’an University, systematically discussed the translator and the choice of translation mode in the English translation of Jia Pingwa’s works. Professors Zhang Rui, Li Yan, Li Xianhua, Wei Haiyan, Zhao Zheng and associate professor Bai Ying of XFU discussed the experience and success path of national first-class majors and first-class courses construction in XFU from different perspectives, which fully demonstrated the academic strength of XFU.
Wang Lixiao, Vice President of XFU, delivered a speech at the closing ceremony.
Under the theme of “Foreign Language Talents Training and International Communication”, this forum aimed to improve the quality of foreign language talents training, strengthen the building of international communication capacity, and better promote Chinese culture going to the world. In the form of keynote speeches and related parallel forums, more than 30 experts and scholars from over 20 universities across the country exchanged insights with each other and reached a consensus on the future training of foreign language talents and international communication. They discussed on the topics of international communication, foreign language education and cultural exchanges, analyzed the new situation and explored new ways of international communication, explained the new ideas and methods of cultivating the ability of international communication in foreign language education, which brought new ideas for the training of foreign language talents and international communication. There are about 1000 people attending the forum both online and offline. At the same time, more than 30 scholars participated in the academic paper discussion, which had far-reaching influence in academic studies.
In order to enhance the influence of the communication power of Chinese civilization, the report of the 20th CPC National Congress clearly proposed that “We will stay firmly rooted in Chinese culture. We will collect and refine the defining symbols and best elements of Chinese culture and showcase them to the world. We will accelerate the development of China’s discourse and narrative systems, better tell China’s stories, make China’s voice heard, and present a China that is credible, appealing, and respectable. We will strengthen our international communications capabilities, make our communications more effective, and strive to strengthen China’s voice in international affairs so it is commensurate with our composite national strength and international status. We will deepen exchanges and mutual learning with other civilizations and better present Chinese culture to the world.” This forum is of great significance for implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, strengthening the building of international communication capacity and promoting the training of foreign language talents and international communication. XFU has successfully held the first high-end forum on the training of foreign language talents in international communication in December 2022.
As a private university featuring foreign language education with important influences, Xi’an Fanyi University adheres to the mission and responsibility of educating students for the party and the country, stays true to the original aspiration and keeps excelling itself. It takes it as its aim to always serve for the implementation of the strategy of regional economic and social development, and is an important base for the training of foreign language talents in western part of China. In the future, XFU will, under the guidance of the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, take this forum as an opportunity to continuously improve the talent training system, strengthen the building of international communication capacity, train foreign language talents for international communication in the new era and make its due contributions to comprehensively enhancing the efficiency of international communication and presenting a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of China to the world.
Gao Jinxiao, Deputy Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Working Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial CPC Committee, Addresses the Forum
Zhong Weihe, Honorary President of XFU, Addresses the Forum
Ding Jing, Chairperson of XFU, Addresses the Forum
Wang Junzhe, Chairperson of the Shaanxi Administry Committee on Higher Education and the Working Committee on Foreign Language and Literature, Addresses the Forum
Wu Zhongyuan, Vice President of Xi’an Fanyi University, Presides over the Opening Ceremony
Professor Yuan Xiaolu, Dean of the School of Translation Studies and the School of English Studies of XFU, Hosts the Forum
Huang Youyi, Executive Vice Chairperson of Translators Association of China and Vice Chairperson of China Academy of Translation, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Needs of International Communication and the Mission of Chinese-to-Foreign Language Translation”
Jiang Feng, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Shanghai Foreign Studies University and Vice Chairperson of the China National Committee for Translation & Interpreting Education, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Some Thoughts on Foreign Language and International Communication”
Sun Youzhong, Chairperson of the National Administry Committee on Teaching English Language to Majors in Higher Education and Vice President of Beijing Foreign Studies University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “A Trinity Approach of Promoting Moral Education and New Liberal Arts Discipline Construction”
Wang Qilong, Changjiang Scholar of the Ministry of Education and President of Xi’an International Studies University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Training of Foreign Language Talents in International Communication for Schools in West China”
Peng Qinglong, Changjiang Scholar of the Ministry of Education, Distinguished Professor of Shanghai Jiaotong University and member of the Foreign Language Discipline Ranking Group, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Diversity, Exchanges and Mutual Learning of Cultures”
Yu Hongliang, former Vice President of Yangzhou University and member of the China National Committee for Translation & Interpreting Education, Delivers a Keynote Speech on Examining the Quality of Degree Dducation in Translation and Interpreting
Zhao Junfeng, Vice Chairman of the China National Committee for Translation & Interpreting Education and doctoral supervisor of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Integration between Industry and Education in Translation Education in the New Era: Ideas, Principles and Approaches”
Professor Zhang Ailing, Dean of the Graduate Institute of Interpretation and Translation, Shanghai International Studies University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The MTI Education under the Background of National External Strategic Development and Communication”
Wang Lifei, Dean of the Institute of International Language Services and Doctoral Supervisor in Beijing Language and Culture University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The International Communication Efficiency of Enterprise Websites and Evaluation on Overseas Profits and Impact”
Feng Guangwu, Professor and Doctoral supervisor of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Purpose, Teaching Principles and Suggestions for Understanding Contemporary China”
Wang Chaowen, Senior Reporter of the Xinhua News Agency, Former Party Committee Secretary and President of Reference News, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Strengthen International Communication, Build China’s Discourse System”
Professor Yang Feng, Editor-in-chief of Contemporary Foreign Language Studies and Doctoral Supervisor of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Speaks on the Topic “The Locality and Globality of Knowledge: The Fundamental Questions of Translation”
Lv Shenglu, Deputy Director of the Editorial Department of Foreign Language Education and Journal of Xi’an International Studies University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Study of Foreign Language and Literature from the Perspetive of International Communication: Current Situation and Reflection”
Guo Danrui, Deputy Director of the Cadre Office of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial CPC Committee and Director of the Translation Center, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Some Thoughts on Translator and Interpreter Training in the New Era”
He Xiaoxiao, Deputy Director of International Communication Department and Editor-in-chief of CICG Academy of Translation and Interpretation, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Analysis and Suggestions on Translator and Interpreter Training through Combining Key Languages and Country and Area Studies”
Professor Huang Jianyou, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication of Xi’an International Studies University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Construction and Reflection of International Communication Discipline”
Professor Feng Zhengbin, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies, Chang’an University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Exploration of English Translation of Chinese Local Literature: Taking Mo Yan and Jia Pingwa’s Works as Examples”
Professor Han Hongjian, Dean of the School of Foreign Studies, Xi’an University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Research on English Translation and Communication of Jia Pingwa’s Works from the Perspective of Complicated System”
Professor Zhao Yihui, Deputy Dean of the School of Translation Studies, Xi’an International Studies University, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Exploration of Innovative Model in Translator and Interpreter Training under the Background of International Communication”
Qin Xiaomei, professor of the School of Translation Studies and Director of the Academic Affairs Office of XFU, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Exploration and Practices of Foreign Language Talents Training in International Communication: Taking Xi’an Fanyi University as an Example”
Li Xianhua, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of English Studies, XFU, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Practices of Teaching and Research Integration for Foreign Language Teachers”
Li Yan, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of English Studies, XFU, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Exploration and Practices on Moral Education for Foreign Language Teaching from the Perspective of International Communication”
Wei Haiyan, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures, XFU, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Cultivation of International Communication Capacities for Foreign Language Talents from the Perspective of B&R Initiative”
Bai Ying, Associate Professor of the School of Foreign Languages and Cultures, XFU, Delivers a Speech Entitled “Research on the Cultivation of Digital Narrative Abilities for Non-common Foreign Language Majors”
Zhao Zheng, Professor of the School of Translation Studies, XFU, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “The Translation of Fine Local Cultures Giving Impetus for Chinese Culture Going Global: Taking Shaanxi as an Example”
Zhang Rui, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of Translation Studies, XFU, Delivers a Keynote Speech Entitled “Research on the Practical Path of International Communication for Chinese Civilization”
Chen Zhenzhen, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of Humanities, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Hosts the Forum
Chen Lihua, Professor and Deputy Dean of the School of Humanities and Foreign Languages, Hosts the Forum
Zhang Hairong, Professor and Dean of the College of International Languages and Cultures of Hohai University, Hosts the Forum
Yang Wei, Professor and Dean of the School of Foreign Studies, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Hosts the Forum
Wang Lixiao, Vice President of Xi’an Fanyi University, Delivers a Speech at the Closing Ceremony
Group Photo
