A Life Transformed by Language and Culture
In 2016, fresh out of university, an Italian young man named Ale arrived in China to embark on a journey that would redefine his life. Now, six years later, he has written a book in Chinese titled “I Dreamed in Chinese”. This title not only encapsulates his language-learning experience but also symbolizes how China has deeply influenced his life and identity.
Ale's initial exposure to China came in 2014 when he worked as a sports reporter during the Youth Olympics in Nanjing. The energy of the volunteers he met and their desire to connect with the world inspired him. Two years later, he returned to China, enrolled at the Beijing Film Academy, and started from scratch to learn Mandarin.
China, for Ale, was not just a place of study; it became a home. He didn't only immerse himself in the language—he lived it. From taking on acting gigs to working in advertising and making lifelong friends over shared meals and drinks, Ale experienced China from every angle. This full immersion eventually led him to adopt Chinese as his primary language for daily life and creative expression.
Why did Ale stay in China for six years? "I became deeply involved in life here, from studying to working to making new friends. I developed a profound connection with this place, which made me want to stay," Ale shares. This connection went beyond superficial experiences—it became part of his identity.
Writing in Chinese - A Personal and Cultural Evolution
One of the most striking aspects of Ale's journey is his choice to write in Chinese. In a world where most foreigners in China stick to English or their native tongues for self-expression, Ale's decision to adopt Chinese as his literary medium sets him apart. His reason for this? Simple: it became the language of his life.
Ale describes how his Chinese writing began organically. While studying at the Beijing Film Academy, he was surrounded by Chinese-speaking classmates. His daily life, from shooting films to hanging out with friends, became steeped in the language. "It felt natural to write in Chinese because that's the language I was living in," he explains.
The process of writing in Chinese wasn't without challenges, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Ale started documenting his life experiences in a series of Chinese-language blog posts during the pandemic when he was feeling isolated. These posts, filled with reflections on everyday life in China, quickly gained popularity among readers. "My stories were born from my experiences, and since I was living those experiences in Chinese, it felt right to write them down in Chinese too," Ale says.
For Ale, writing in Chinese is more than just a linguistic choice—it's a bridge that connects him to the people and culture around him. It allows him to tell stories in a way that feels authentic to his experience, whether it's about his time as an extra in a Chinese film or his adventures traveling across provinces like Gansu, Anhui, and Hainan.
Lessons from a Life Between Worlds
Ale's time in China hasn't just been about language or culture—it's been about navigating the space between two worlds. Growing up in Italy, Ale was already familiar with the importance of family and the love of good food, traits that resonate deeply in Chinese culture. He found that, in many ways, Italians and Chinese share common values, particularly around the importance of community and relationships.
When asked if he sees similarities between Italy and China, Ale nods with a smile. "In both places, you feel like you belong to a family, not just as an individual. And yes, the love and pride in food are very much shared!" he laughs.
But Ale's six years in China also opened his eyes to the unique challenges faced by young people here. He has seen firsthand how issues like housing, job pressure, and societal expectations create anxiety among his Chinese friends. "It's very real," Ale observes. "In smaller cities, I've noticed that it's even harder for people to resist these pressures, and they often end up conforming to them."
Ale's writing touches on these topics, showing how China's rapid development and societal changes impact everyday lives. In his book, he talks about the diverse individuals he's met on trains, in small towns, and even in film sets. These personal stories paint a nuanced picture of China—one that is complex, multifaceted, and impossible to summarize in simple terms.
What has Ale gained from his time in China? "The greatest reward has been exploring different professions and lifestyles, which helped me find direction after a confusing post-graduation period," he reflects. China gave Ale the space to experiment, whether it was acting, working in education, or writing his book.
As Ale continues his journey in China, his story serves as an inspiring example of how cultural exchange can be deeply personal. His choice to immerse himself in Chinese culture and language has not only enriched his life but also allowed him to give something back—a series of stories that capture the beauty and complexity of modern China through the eyes of a foreigner who no longer feels like one.
Ale's experiences reflect a growing trend of international residents in China who don't just visit but build meaningful lives here. Through his writing, Ale bridges the gap between China and the world, helping others understand the country not through headlines or stereotypes but through the everyday lives of its people. His journey shows that sometimes, what starts as an adventure abroad can turn into something much more profound—a lifelong connection.
