International conference
ECCO-Italy
Chinese Heritage Schools in Europe
Bergamo, 15–17 January 2026
Call for Papers open until 15 October 2025.
Submit your abstract.
Project presentation
The ECCO-Italy project team proposes an investigation into language socialisation patterns in the latest generations of young people of Chinese origin. The focus will be on patterns emerging in Chinese complementary schools (huawen xuexiao) in Italy. The project will examine the long-term effects of mother-tongue learning on the process of learning Italian. Members of the four research units (Bergamo, Bologna, Florence, Siena) will conduct ethnographic explorations, involving children of Chinese origin in their Chinese schools and compulsory schools, together with teachers, headmasters, families and adults from the Chinese communities.
Project Objectives
The aim of the ECCO-Italy project is to assess whether advanced education policies, inspired by the principle of balanced bilingualism for Chinese-speaking learners in Italy, not only foster the mastery of the languages in their repertoire, from a perspective in which languages are considered tools, but also support linguistic socialisation. The research aims to clarify whether proper linguistic socialisation in at least two main languages (Chinese and Italian) favours the development of a heightened sensitivity to the social, economic and political contexts in which they live. It also intends to investigate whether such increased sensitivity contributes to the learners’ easier inclusion in the host society.
Participating Universities:
Participating Schools:
Bergamo
咏恩国际文化交流协会
Yong En Intercultural Association
华人中文学校
Chinese Cultural Association of Bergamo
Verona
维罗纳华侨华人总商会求索语言学校 Qiusuo Language School of the Chamber of Commerce of the Overseas Chinese in Verona
San Bonifacio
维罗纳知新教育
Zhixin Cultural Association
Bologna
博约书院
Boyue Chinese Cultural Association
Prato
普拉托精英教育
Intercultural Centre "Bimbi Felici" (Happy Children)
Fucecchio
博泽书院中文学校
Boze Cultural Association
Sesto Fiorentino
佛罗伦萨炎黄中文学校
(Yanhuang Chinese School in Florence)
Naples
咏恩国际文化交流协会 Intercultural Association Yong En
Research and Analysis
We conduct in-depth research and analysis on language socialisation patterns among young people of Chinese origin in Italy, funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and Projects of Relevant National Interest (PRIN). Our multidisciplinary team examines the patterns that emerged in Chinese complementary schools and Italian compulsory schools to understand the long-term effects on language and social learning.
Consulting and Support
We provide advice and support for educational institutions, families and Chinese communities interested in promoting balanced bilingualism and better social integration of young people of Chinese origin in Italy. We actively collaborate with our academic partners and local authorities to develop inclusive education policies and support cultural adaptation, within the framework of PNRR and PRINs.
Dissemination of Results
We implement an active dissemination strategy of our research findings through academic publications, workshops, webinars and accessible online resources. We aim to inform and engage with interested audiences, including policy-makers, educators and communities, to foster greater awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to the education of young people of Chinese origin in Italy, within the framework of PNRR and PRIN funding.
Specifications of the call:
PRIN 2022 PNRR Project
Project funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) – Mission 4 – Component 2 – Investment 1.1 ‘Fund for the National Research Programme and Projects of Significant National Interest (PRIN)’ (Call for proposals issued by MUR Decree No. 1409 of 14/09/2022). MUR project code [P2022E72WS] – CUP [F53D2300610001 ]
Expected duration of the project:
11/2023 – 11/2025
Heritage. Chinese communities and inclusiveness between social networks and cultural landscapes
Doctorate in Landscape Studies for Global and Local Challenges Heritage. Chinese communities and inclusiveness between social networks and cultural landscapes UNIVERSITY OF BERGAMOSchool of Advanced Doctoral Training Tuesday 28 January 2025Classroom 7, Via Salvecchio 19 10.00 – Welcome addressesRaul Calzoni, Director of the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures 10.30Rossana Bonadel (former University of
Study seminar ‘Rethinking Territories through Chinese Heritage Schools
Study Seminar16 December 202410.30 – 12.30Imago Mundi Lab | University of Bergamo Introduction Maria Gottardo, Rector’s Delegate for Relations with the Asian Area The PRIN 2022 project Education of children of Chinese origin in Italy Martina Caschera, Local Project Unit Manager New mapping for Chinese Heritage SchoolsAndrea Del Bono, Research Fellow Discussion and debateFederica Burini,
First Sinophone Europe Conference: Exploring Cultural Expressions and Sinophone Identities in Europe
The richness of Sinophone cultural expressions and identities will find a space for deepening and dialogue in the Sinophone Europe Conference, to be held on 13 and 14 December 2024 in Florence, Italy. This event represents a milestone for symphonic studies in Europe, emphasising how symphonic culture develops and intertwines with European contexts. First Sinophone
Responsible/scientific coordinator:
Tommaso Pellin, PA, University of Bologna, tommaso.pellin(at)unibo.it
Project partners:
Ivana Bolognesi (Unibo) – ivana.bolognesi(at)unibo.it
Yedi Yu (Unibo) – yedi.yu2(at)unibo.it
Martina Caschera (Unibg) – martina.caschera(at)unibg.it
Maria Gottardo (Unibg) – maria.gottardo(at)unibg.it
Federica Burini (Unibg) – federica.burini(at)unibg.it
Marta Pantalone (Unibg) – marta.pantalone(at)unibg.it
Andrea Del Bono (Unibg) – andrea.delbono(at)unibg.it
Valentina Pedone (Unifi) – valentina.pedone(at)unifi.it
Giuseppe Rizzuto (Unifi) – giuseppe.rizzuto(at)unifi.it
Andrea Scibetta (Unistrasi) – scibetta(at)unistrasi.it
Davide Francolino (Unistrasi) – davide.francolino(at)unistrasi.it
CONTACT US
Do you have any questions?
Do you work in a Chinese school?
Do you work in the field of education towards Chinese descendants?
Do you want more information on research?
Would you like to participate in interviews or observations?
We are always available to talk about your interest or to collaborate on new research projects or new dissemination opportunities
