China's Cultural Diversity Amazes Ambassador's Wife

Anna Bradanini, wife of Alberto Bradanini, Italy's ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

Anna Bradanini, wife of Alberto Bradanini, Italy's ambassador to China, is no stranger to the Middle Kingdom. She spent several years, with her family, living in China during the early 1990s. "I was very interested in returning to China. (I) have seen many changes," she says.

In 1991, the Bradaninis moved to Beijing, for the first time, after Mr. Bradanini was appointed commercial attaché at the Italian Embassy. Her early experiences — such as studying Chinese each day and reading Chinese literature — in China were overwhelming to Mrs. Bradanini. China's vast cultural diversity remained with her, even after she returned to Italy.

"Back in Italy, I worked closely with the Chinese community. When we were appointed to China again, I was interested in seeing the changes (in China) firsthand. When we first arrived, the pollution was pretty bad, which was something that had concerned me. I didn't recognize the city … What I found was a very complex place," Mrs. Bradanini says. "My first impression was that today's Chinese youngsters are close to Western society.

"When I lived in China 20 years ago, it was almost impossible not to be noticed on the street as a foreigner. I needed to be engaged with Chinese people on a daily basis. Today, things are different.

"I get the impression that now a foreigner can live in China without even being involved with Chinese culture, food or Chinese people. You need to make an effort to involve yourself with the Chinese community, especially in first-tier cities," Mrs. Bradanini says.

Mrs. Bradanini says: "China is more or less the center of the world. In China, you are stimulated all the time. People are very busy all the time," she says.

Italians and Chinese have many things in common, says Mrs. Bradanini. For example, she says, both China and Italy belong to ancient civilizations. Thanks to Italian merchant Marco Polo and Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci, both of whom visited China centuries ago, Italy and China share a history of communication, she says.

"Last year, Italy was the most-visited country in the Schengen area by Chinese tourists. Chinese-language classes have become part of the curriculum in many of our schools, which was unthinkable just few years ago. In Beijing, our embassy and cultural department hold many activities every day to promote China to Italians, and vice versa. Many Italians living in Beijing are in the business, fashion and architecture circles. Many Italian entrepreneurs in China are well-established, but there are young entrepreneurs coming to China from Italy … It's true that the Italians living and working in China are the true ambassadors," says Mrs. Bradanini.

"I believe the similarities between women in China and women in Italy are … they both have to struggle more than men to get what they want. Even if our backgrounds are different, we both have to live up to the expectations that our families, parents, husbands and children have on us," Mrs. Bradanini says.

Most people know that Italy is famous for its good food and wine, she adds, noting many non-Italians are not aware of the country's school system and approach to education.

"We don't only focus on scientific subjects. We put a lot of emphasis on social studies as well. For example, we focus on subjects such as how and why society works, and how to understand different people. I believe this is very important. It creates an understanding among people, and it helps people understand and respect each other. I hope we can share this particular part (of our culture) with the Chinese," Mrs. Bradanini says.

"China is, and has always been, a part of my life … I never stop reading about China, and I keep myself up to date on what's going on in China," Mrs. Bradanini says. "China is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. My Chinese friends help me to understand today's China. I believe the changes happening in China are unique in history, because they (are happening) in such a short time."

(Source: Women of China English Monthly December 2013 Issue)