A Survey On The History And Current Situation Of Teaching And Learning Chinese In Italy

The present dissertation is focused on the process of the evolution of Chinese language learning and teaching in Italy.Referring to the historical records,monographs and journal papers about the Italian sinologists and Italian-speaking Chinese scholars who have contributed greatly to the development of Chinese language didactics and the promotion of Chinese culture,a historical review is conducted from the birth of early Chinese language studies to the present educational system of Chinese language teaching.Moreover,statistical data based on a survey with high school students and teachers give a close look at the current situation of Chinese language teaching and learning in Italy.This thesis aims at providing a clear historical overview of Chinese language research and teaching in Italy and discussing the future prospects of Chinese language teaching in Italy's educational system.Chapter I exposes the relevance of China-Italy relations,focusing on intercultural communication and Chinese language research.It describes how Italians approached China in history and how Chinese language began to be understood and studied by them.In this part,the figure of Marco Polo as one of the earliest Italians who travelled to China is discussed.There are listed a series of episodes and figures in China-Italy history showing the cultural bond between the two realities.In these regards,prominent scholars Matteo Ricci,Michele Ruggieri and Martino Martini are highlighted in their role of producing lexicographic and grammar works about Chinese language,since,by so doing,they implemented an intercultural dialogue between East and West.Given their devotion to evangelization missions and their dedication to explaining and translating Chinese language,these Italian figures are considered the forefathers of Chinese language research.Chapter II introduces the reader to the most important centre of Chinese language studies in Italy's history,the Chinese College of Naples.The birth of the College is closely connected to the missionary activities of its founder,a Jesuit who lived in XVIII century: Matteo Ripa.His aim to build a school for Chinese native clergymen paved the way to the mutual understanding between Chinese and Italians on the intercultural and linguistic level.After the unification of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861,the College gradually became a national institution and rapidly developed its academic dimension.This institution hosted Francesco Saverio Wan and Giuseppe Maria Kuo,whose role as teachers,interpreters as well as authors of Chinese learning materials was outstanding.Such material are discussed and exemplified in order to show practical and theoretical approaches to teaching and learning Chinese language at that time.Chapter III traces back the origins of Chinese language classes in educational institutions.It shows the contribution of early professors to Chinese language and culture learning and the stages of the development of this subject in Italian universities and high schools.The recent economic growth of China as well as Chinese migration to Italy consistently push forward further development of Chinese classes on different levels.A case study has been conducted in one of the pioneering high schools which have taken the lead in opening Chinese language classes at different levels.Students' opinions,attitudes and perspectives related to Chinese language and culture learning are discussed and an exemplary textbook is investigated so as to highlight the characteristics of current directions of Chinese learning and teaching in Italy.