The purpose of the current study is to examine the mediating role of intercultural communicative competence on the relationship between teaching of English language and learning at Chinese higher vocational colleges. The convenience sampling technique was used to collect data from 668 teachers, teaching English language subjects in different public and private Chinese higher vocational colleges. Smart partial least squares-structural equation modeling on SmartPLS software version 4 was used to test the hypotheses. The result revealed the direct effect of English language teaching (ELT) is not significant on English language learning (ELL). However, the intercultural communicative competences (ICC) have been tested and proved to be a potential mediator between English language teaching and learning. Because the indirect effect of ELT on ELL is positive and significant through mediator ICC. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the inclusion of intercultural communication ability is a crucial component in the vocational education of college students. Policymakers should be cautious about promoting and expanding the availability of cultural teaching and learning across demographic conditions (e.g., linguistic and ethnic diversity, age, and gender) and various levels of language proficiency. In accordance with the effects of teacher education and professional development programs, the implementation of ICC content necessitates a harmonization of pedagogical approaches and assessment practices across designated levels in order to effectively achieve educational objectives. To promote ICC in English language education, there must be clear guidelines and communication to school leaders, educators, and administrators regarding the necessity and goals of cultural integration.

Under the developing trend of artificial intelligence (AI) technology gradually penetrating all aspects of society, the traditional language education industry is also greatly affected ^[1]. AI technology has had a positive impact on college English teaching, but it also presents challenges and negative impacts. On the positive side, AI technology can provide personalized learning experiences, real-time feedback, and autonomous learning opportunities, and so on. However, it may also lead to a lack of communication between students and humans, resulting in a decline in students’ interpersonal skills, and cause students’ dependence on online learning resources as well as possible risks to student data privacy and security, and other negative impacts. To address these challenges, teachers can adopt the following countermeasures: improving teachers’ skills in the use of AI technology incorporated in the classroom, offering personalized instruction to reduce students’ dependence on AI technologies, emphasizing the cultivation of students’ humanistic literacy and interpersonal communication ability. Additionally, colleges and technology providers should strengthen data security and privacy protection to ensure the safety and confidentiality of student data. By implementing comprehensive measures, we can maximize the advantages of AI technology in college English teaching while overcoming potential issues and challenges.

With the rapid development of the times, modern educational technology and traditional teaching mode have produced a more effective online + offline hybrid teaching mode in teachers' exploration and innovation. Through this hybrid mode of college English teaching, to a large extent, it can expand the actual classroom, and also enable students to fully carry out English learning outside the classroom, which has a very significant positive effect on college Students' English learning and the construction of college classroom.