Today we bring you the story of Ginevra Barducci a sinologist born in 1993 in Bologna. In China she gained work experience in various sectors, from working for French multinational logistics companies to teaching as a teacher in a private nursery and as a professor in a school. In 2021 she created and wrote the podcast Nihao, produced by Storielibere.fm and hosted together with Ubaldo Pantani. The format was proposed live at the 2022 Turin International Book Fair and at the Podcast Awards organized by Maura Gancitano and Diego Passoni at the Teatro Carcano in Milan. Nihao was also the protagonist of a lectio brevis for the Holden School on how to write a podcast.

He currently works for a technology startup. Fiocchi rossi is his first publication.

Enjoy it!

What is your relationship with China?

My name is Ginevra Barducci, a former sinologist now navigating life in Bologna. My relationship with China resembles a coitus interruptus: a tantalizing encounter cut short, thanks largely to the pandemic. It’s the quintessential odi et amo. My travels have whisked me through the bustling streets of Beijing, the historical lanes of Nanjing, the coastal charm of Xiamen, and the frenetic energy of Shanghai. Along the way, I’ve worn many hats, from English teacher to corporate cog in a French multinational logistics machine. Yes, I can speak Chinese, though my fluency fades with each passing year.

My fascination with the Chinese language and culture runs deep. Like Ginzburg, I’ve observed how language shapes the mind and influences thought. In some provinces, elders still greet each other with “Have you eaten?” instead of “How are you?”—a charming reflection of their culture. I relished uncovering the logic behind such idioms and behaviors. This curiosity compelled me to pen a book offering an alternative narrative on China, one that pokes holes in stereotypes and underscores the amusing peculiarities. For instance, my book cheekily includes a tutorial on how to say “fellatio” in Mandarin.

Tell us three main challenges during your experience in China

Living in China presented several challenges, not least of which was adjusting to the sheer scale of everything. Getting anywhere often required an hour’s travel—a significant shift from my experiences in Italy. But with challenges came valuable lessons. One of the most surprising insights was the similarity between Chinese and Italian cultures. Both share a profound love for culinary arts, the joy of sharing meals, and strong familial bonds—remarkably more so than Italians and their Northern European neighbors. For more on these insights and additional lessons, you’ll have to dive into my book, Fiocchi Rossi by Augh Edizioni.

How was it welcomed by the Italian audience? Are you planning on a new publication soon?

The Italian audience has greeted my book with enthusiasm. I’ve held multiple presentations across Italy—thrice in Bologna, once in Milan, Genoa, and Turin at the Salone Internazionale del Libro, and at the GAIA Trovautore Literary Festival in Fiuggi. More engagements are on the horizon. While I have no immediate plans for new publications, my mind brims with ideas waiting to be explored.

Interview by Marco Bonaglia