A Wenzhouese perspective on Europe: the Italian case-study

One of the main subjects recently discussed in the field of Chinese studies is that of the definition of Modern Chinese transnationalism (Nonini, Ong), of Chinese culture (Tu Weiming) and Sinopohone region (Shih Shumei). While there is general agreement on the impact that migration has on the development of transnational Chinese culture, the main focus of recent debate is mostly on the relationship between Mainland China and its periphery, while less has been published on the role of local cultures in this process. I argue that while the economic, cultural and political connection with the native land is stronger for new migrants than it was only a few decades ago (see Barabantseva) there are also clear signs of a rising hybrid culture that synthesizes cultural items from contemporary Chinese culture, Chinese diasporic culture and local cultures. In order to start investigating this phenomenon as it takes place in the Italian context, I will carry out a study on the areas of origin of the majority of Chinese migrated families in Italy: Wenzhou and its outskirts. A number of interviews will be conducted with relatives of migrants, inquiring on their perception of Italy, its culture and society. The results will help to start reflecting on how contemporary Italian culture and society are conceptualized within the Chinese migrated community across the two countries. Such findings will contribute to further research aimed to the definition of an Italian-Chinese identity.