Dr. Alanoud AlSabah

How it began

My interest in China and the Chinese language goes back to my first trip to the country in 2012. This was my first introduction to the beauty of the Chinese characters and how they looked on the walls, on displays and in advertisements.

I felt the characters were dancing in hustle movements as we strolled the streets of Beijing. My fascination for the Chinese characters drove me to explore the Chinese language later that year.

But before applying for my Master‘s in Chinese studies in Spain, I decided to take up a short Chinese course with an independent teacher to help me prepare for my HSK 2 exam, conducted at the Confucius Center in Dubai University at the end of 2012.

By September 2013, I had started my Master’s program in Barcelona, thus beginning by my cultural endeavors to study the Chinese language, art, history, literature, philosophy, politics, economics, and more. I was given the chance to explore the Chinese culture and society from a 360-degree view.

Moreover, Barcelona also gave me the opportunity to develop new skills, such as Chinese calligraphy and art, i.e., black ink drawing, at Casa Asia, a Spanish government institution, in collaboration with Asian countries that provided culture-based programs. It represented a fusion of cultures.

Giving back

After returning to Kuwait, I realized that there were some gaps in terms of the cultural development between China and Kuwait as compared to some of the other countries and/ or cultures. That’s why I have been dedicated to promoting the Chinese culture in Kuwait for the past 3–4 years through research, publications and by participating in events with the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Center.

Towards the end of 2023, I started my own online platform for social science research and building cultural connections, Research Journey, which aims to promote research and culture through existing networks with the Chinese, Spanish and Latin American embassies in Kuwait as well as with other notable international institutions.

Today, I cannot stress enough the importance of cultural bridging in our world. I hope through exchange, collaboration, and cooperation we can achieve our desired objectives.