In September 2025, the Department of Japanese, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Macau, hosted two academic events focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its role in language education. These events addressed current challenges in the field and demonstrated the Department’s commitment to innovation in LOTE (Languages Other Than English) education.
The first event, held on September 16, was an international roundtable titled: “Intersections of Plurilingual Education and Learning Sciences in the Age of Generative AI.” Scholars from Japan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau gathered to explore how GenAI is reshaping teaching and learning in multilingual contexts. Guest speakers included Professor Jae-Ho Lee (Waseda University), Dr. Reijiro Aoyama (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Associate Professor Xiue Yang (Sun Yat-sen University), Associate Professor Junjun Huang (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), and Dr. Yuanyuan Liao (University of Macau). The session was moderated by Assistant Professor Yuzhe Li from the Department of Japanese.
The discussion covered a wide range of topics including AI-supported writing, multilingual learner development, evolving roles of educators, and ethical considerations in AI-integrated classrooms. The event attracted faculty and students from across the university.
The following day, on September 17, the Department hosted a special undergraduate lecture by Professor Jae-Ho Lee titled: “The Power of Language: How Should We Live in the Age of AI?” The lecture reflected on the value of language learning in a world increasingly shaped by machine translation and AI tools. Through case studies, Professor Lee emphasized the cultural, cognitive, and human dimensions of learning Japanese, highlighting how language education fosters creativity, intercultural understanding, and career development.
These two events reflect the Department of Japanese’s dedication to advancing LOTE education in response to technological change. The Department will continue to develop interdisciplinary programs such as Japanese and AI, Japanese and Regional Studies, and Japanese and Intercultural Communication, contributing to the evolving role of language education in today’s global society.
Photo by HOI IO KUN