A research university in Shenzhen announced it is phasing out English classes because AI can generate translations in real time.
Posted by The Headlines, Checked
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The HeadlinesSep 16, 2026
Multiple outlets report that Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology (SUAT) announced in July 2026, via provost Zhao Wei's video, that it would phase out standard English courses because real-time AI translation reduces language barriers.
What was said
… schools have been dialing back their English requirements, and according to one ranking of English proficiency in countries around the world, China has fallen nearly 50 spots. Of course, this whole debate is also crashing right into the question of AI. This summer, one research university in Shenzhen announced that it's phasing out English classes because it said AI can now generate translations in real time. But one expert on Chinese history told the Times that the current language debate also reflects two vastly different visions of China: one where the country is focused on global engagement, or one where the nation looks inward. Those are the headlines. …
The Headlines · · from the transcriptPost →What we found
Supports. SCMP reports that SUAT provost Zhao Wei announced in a video posted July 2 that the university would drop standard English courses in favour of cross-cultural classes, citing AI translators that bridge language barriers in real time.[2]
Supports. VnExpress quotes Zhao Wei saying real-time translation has become effective enough that he no longer needs to understand English, and reports the plan to replace traditional English classes because AI-powered translation has greatly reduced language barriers.[3]
Supports. Nationpress and The Star independently report the July 2026 announcement by the Shenzhen university citing real-time AI translation as the driver for phasing out English courses.[4][5]
Context. A ReferChina report says the change is a pilot: two experimental classes starting fall 2026 replace College English with an Intercultural Communication course, and the university says it is not abolishing English learning altogether, with English still on the timetable for now.[6][7]
Context. The Reuters 2023 source concerns Chinese AI model consolidation and is not about university English courses, so it does not bear on this claim.[1]
Sources
7 sources: 1 fact-checker, 6 not rated
- 1China's AI 'war of a hundred models' heads for a shakeoutreuters.com · fact-checker · cited for: context
- 2Will AI kill English classes? Chinese university to drop them as tech boomsscmp.com · not rated · cited for: supports
- 3e.vnexpress.net · news · techChinese university plans to drop English classes as AI ...e.vnexpress.net · not rated · cited for: supports
- 4www.nationpress.com · sciencetech · suat-dropsShenzhen university to drop English classes, citing AI ...nationpress.com · not rated · cited for: supports
- 5In the Age of AI, some in China wonder if learning English ...thestar.com.my · not rated · cited for: supports
- 6www.referchina.com · 2026 · 07Shenzhen University Launches China's 1st College English ...referchina.com · not rated · cited for: context
- 7A Maths teacher's social media post on English has gone ...timesofindia.indiatimes.com · not rated · cited for: context
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