AI Empowerment and Role Transformation of College English Teachers: A Cross-Cultural Governance Perspective

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has ushered in a new era for college English education. Unlike traditional computer-assisted language learning tools that merely supplemented classroom instruction, modern AI systems are capable of navigating personalized learning paths, providing real-time feedback on linguistic accuracy, and even simulating authentic conversational scenarios for language practice. This technological leap enables educators to excel at handling repetitive, rule-based tasks but it cannot replicate the nuanced humanistic guidance that lies at the core of language teaching—such as fostering patriotic sentiments, promoting cross-cultural awareness, cultivating critical thinking, and addressing students’ emotional problems in the learning process. From the perspective of cross-cultural governance—an approach focused on coordinating cultural interactions, resolving cross-cultural conflicts, and safeguarding cultural diversity—this paper explores the role transformation of college English teachers, analyzing the opportunities and challenges brought by AI for their professional development and classroom teaching innovation. Through a case study approach (involving two typical universities in China) and comparative analysis of teaching practices before and after AI integration, the paper summarizes the five key roles teachers need play in AI-assisted classrooms: curating cross-culturally responsive learning resources to complement AI-generated content, mediating student-AI interactions to ensure cultural integrity, evaluating students’ language proficiency from a holistic perspective integrating intercultural competence, mentoring students’ academic planning with global career readiness in mind, and alleviating students’ negative emotions and stress related to cross-cultural communication and technological adaptation. The paper underlines that AI empowerment is not about weakening teachers’ importance but redefining their core responsibilities to focus on the cross-cultural and humanistic aspects of language teaching that AI cannot replace. It ends with concise recommendations for teachers to embrace AI as a powerful ally in advancing cross-cultural governance, offering practical insights for educators adapting to AI-driven language education.