Imagine wandering through the narrow alleys of an ancient Italian hilltop village, and then hopping on a bullet train in the Chinese mainland to watch futuristic skyscrapers light up the night sky. What does it take to really “get” these two worlds? Italian sinologist Dario Famularo has some answers. 🚄🕌
At the second World Conference on China Studies in Shanghai, Famularo chatted with CGTN about what fascinates the West about Chinese culture, the historical roots of misunderstandings, and the power of sinology to build civilizational bridges.
Here’s what Famularo highlighted:
- Shared passions: From scroll paintings to opera arias, both cultures cherish art as a storytelling medium.
- Misunderstanding roots: Early travel diaries painted China as “exotic” or “mysterious,” cementing stereotypes that linger today.
- Bridge-building: Academic exchanges, joint film festivals, and language courses help young people break down walls.
Famularo believes that real mutual learning starts with curiosity—and a willingness to step outside familiar comfort zones. By diving into each other’s languages, cuisines, and philosophies, China and Italy can write a new chapter of friendship that resonates globally. 🌍🤝
As the conference wraps up, one thing is clear: when cultures talk, learn, and laugh together—as Famularo says—they plant seeds for a world that’s more connected than ever. 🍕🥢
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
