From March 22rd to 24th, the Fourth National High-end Forum on Reform and Development of Foreign Language Education in Colleges and Universities was held in Beijing. the theme of which is mission, pattern and action. Referring to diverse language, more than 2,000 experts, scholars, teaching administrators, backbone teachers, representatives of international organizations and multinational enterprises from different colleges and universities gathered in Beijing, discussing the new mission of higher foreign language education in the new era and new measures to cultivate international talents. The forum involved 11 keynote reports, 8 sub-forums, 65 keynote speeches, 2 round-table forums and 4 thematic activities, focusing on two core issues: the development of foreign language disciplines and majors in the new era, and the development and prospect of college foreign language.They communicated and discussed their ideas, aiming at enhancing the foreign language education of colleges and universities.
Wu Yan, director of the higher education department of the ministry of education, delivered a keynote speech titled recognizing changes, adapting to changes, seeking changes -- new mission, new pattern, new liberal arts, extensive foreign languages, which became the hot topic of the forum. The speech focused on the national development strategy under the background of Belt and Road initiative. Wu Yan pointed out that higher foreign language education is extremely important, which is related to the quality of talent cultivation, the interaction and mutual learning with other countries, and the participation to the reform and construction of global governance system. He also proposed that higher foreign language education should acknowledge the changes ahead of times, make positive measures to make changes and emphasize the cultivation of high-quality internationalized and specialized talents. For the foreign language educators, he hoped they will be fully aware of their mission and responsibilities as well as giving them confidence and encouragement.
The forum pointed out the direction for the transformation of foreign language discipline and the development of college foreign language, providing guidance and reference for College of Arts inthe construction of “double first-class” and “new liberal arts”.
Translator：Zhao Siyu
Proofreader: Fu Xiao
Tutor: Fu Xiao
