As the second World Conference on China Studies unfolds in Shanghai, one question takes center stage: How can cultures learn from each other in our interconnected world? 🎭 CGTN's latest interview with Italian sinologist Dario Famularo offers fresh perspectives on this timeless debate.
When Marco Polo Meets Confucius
Famularo, a Beijing-based scholar, argues that China and Italy – both guardians of ancient civilizations – share more common ground than we realize. "Think Renaissance art meets Chinese calligraphy," he suggests, highlighting how both cultures value historical preservation and artistic innovation. 🖌️
Why the West Struggles to Understand China
The postdoc researcher digs into historical roots: "Many Western interpretations of China still filter through 19th-century colonial lenses." 🔍 He emphasizes how modern China studies can break this pattern by focusing on direct cultural dialogue rather than outdated stereotypes.
Food for Thought (Literally!)
Famularo serves up delicious examples of mutual learning:
- 🤤 Italy's coffee culture inspiring China's tea house innovations
- 🎭 Chinese opera techniques influencing experimental European theater
- 📚 Confucian philosophy finding new audiences through TikTok explainers
For young global citizens, his message is clear: Cultural understanding isn't about agreement – it's about curiosity. 🌐 Catch the full interview to see how ancient wisdom can solve modern global challenges!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com