Chinese University to Drop English Classes, Citing AI Translation

Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) in China is set to discontinue its standard English language courses, a move driven by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence translation technology. The university will instead introduce new curricula emphasizing cross-cultural communication skills.

Provost Zhao Wei announced the shift in a social media video on July 2, explaining that the experimental curriculum, set to launch for new students in 2026, will gradually replace university English with intercultural communication courses. These new classes are designed to foster students' understanding of both Chinese and Western cultures, enabling them to engage confidently and gracefully with international counterparts.

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If you apply to SUAT in 2026, we will be running the experimental [curriculum], which will gradually phase out university English and replace it with intercultural communication courses.

Zhao highlighted the increasing effectiveness of real-time AI translation tools. "Today, I don’t need to understand English at all," he stated. "You can speak in English, and the translation comes through my earphones in Chinese. I can speak Chinese, and your earphones may receive it in Spanish. Real-time translation has become impressively effective."

The university's decision reflects a growing sentiment that AI's ability to bridge language barriers in real time may diminish the necessity of traditional foreign language education. SUAT aims to prepare students for a globalized world by focusing on the nuances of cultural understanding and effective communication, rather than solely on linguistic proficiency.

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Today, I don’t need to understand English at all. You can speak in English, and the translation comes through my earphones in Chinese. I can speak Chinese, and your earphones may receive it in Spanish. Real-time translation has become impressively effective.