School of Languages at XJTLU Conference 2024

School of Languages at XJTLU Conference 2024

No Fate: The Future is Not Set

Located in Suzhou, China, the School of Languages at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is one of the largest language centres in the world, with over 250 academic staff in its English Language Centre and Modern Languages Centre (which currently teaches Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish). The School is fast-growing and dynamically engaged with the latest digital and transnational trends and developments in EAP and Modern Languages. As part of our commitment to being a global go-to Centre of Excellence, we are hosting a three-day Conference on Friday, 31 May to Sunday, 2 June 2024. The theme for this event is:

The future of language learning and teaching

In the ever-evolving landscape of language education, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the role of generative AI and other technological tools is reshaping the way we teach and learn languages. The title of our conference, No Fate: The Future is Not Set, underscores our belief that the future is not predetermined; it is a canvas upon which language educators can wield their influence and play a pivotal role.

As we stand on the precipice of a new era, marked by unprecedented technological advancements, we recognize that the traditional paradigms of language teaching are being challenged and redefined. Generative AI, virtual classrooms, immersive language apps, and other cutting-edge tools are transforming the language learning experience in ways we could only imagine a few years ago. The question that lies before us is not whether these innovations will shape the future, but rather how we, as educators, will harness their potential to create meaningful and effective language instruction.

We hope that our conference will serve both as a platform for collaboration and a catalyst for change. We are aiming to gather experts and educators from across the globe to engage in thoughtful discussion and exploration of the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will delve into the transformative impact of generative AI and technology on language pedagogy, examine the challenges and opportunities they present, and chart a course towards a future where hopefully language education is more accessible, engaging, and effective than ever before.

While we acknowledge the profound shifts taking place, we firmly believe that the future is not set in stone. It is the collective effort of educators, researchers, and innovators that will determine the trajectory of language teaching and learning. By fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we can shape a future where language education transcends boundaries, adapts to individual needs, and empowers learners in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.