(15 February 2016) In cultural terms, the elements that characterize Italy among the Sudanese population are: food (50%), sports (soccer and engines, 46%), art (45% with the majority related to music, film and architecture) and fashion (30%). This according to the “Italy in Sudan” questionnaire launched by the Italian Embassy in Khartoum with the purpose of deepening our understanding of expectations, desires, images (and stereotypes) of Sudanese regarding Italy and Italians. The questionnaire was presented recently at the University of Khartoum: about 2.000 surveys were handed out to young people in the age group from 14-35, with particular attention to students of the University of Khartoum and the youth of the Comboni College in the capital. The idea, in the words of the Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Lobasso, “was to explore, under an intercultural lens, the Sudanese idea of Italy, in order to better adapt Italian social, cultural, commercial, and development cooperation policies directed towards a country that is hosting us so benevolently.” The results were processed and analyzed by the local Department of Statistics and Mathematics of the University of Khartoum. The questions – open answer and multiple choice – reveal interesting evidence. With regard to the Italian language, the young Sudanese who would like to participate in the Italian courses are around 60%, with primary motivations based on the appreciation of Italian culture in general (45%), the musical idiom (25%) and the importance of our language in the world (15%). Another reason that leads young Sudanese to choose Italy as a destination is academic exchange programs, study (50%) and work (41%) purposes. The symbols and landmarks of Italy most famous in Sudan are the Colosseum (7%), the Tower of Pisa (10%), the center of Rome (5%) and architecture (historic and sacred, 5%). A flattering 83% answered “no” to the question “what don’t you like about Italy?” Part of the questionnaire was also dedicated to an evaluation of the current cultural activities organized by the Italian Embassy, as well as communication and diplomatic inclusiveness in Sudan. 98% of the respondents reviewed the elements very positively, defining the Italian cultural activities in Sudan very good, excellent, fantastic, or perfect. The “lukewarm” comments were at a minimum: 5% not bad, useful, well-made, good, and pleasant. (Red)
From food to art, the best Italy has to offer goes to Sudan
