“重慶讓我一生難忘” 專訪英國駐渝總領事館文化教育領事米博娜

□ 文/本刊記者 李靜

英國文化協會西南地區的主任及英國駐渝總領事館文化教育領事米博娜。

作為英國文化協會西南地區的主任及英國駐渝總領事館文化教育領事，米博娜已在重慶工作了四個年頭。因為是第一次被派到中國工作，又是在重慶，對于米博娜來說，對中國的感受和感情都是源于這座城市。即將離任之時，談到在重慶的工作與生活，她感到十分親切。九月，本刊記者專訪了她。

致力于英國與重慶的教育合作

“四年來，我所在的英國文化協會一直致力于在英國與重慶之間的文化、教育領域開展工作。2012的倫敦奧運年，通過慶祝奧運會這一主題，我們將更多的英國文化引入重慶，讓一場體育盛事變成了一場文化盛會，加強了兩地的文化交流。”提到當時的情況，米博娜至今記憶猶新。“不僅如此，我們還把英國著名藝術家們設計的12副體育明星的海報帶到重慶展出，并邀請重慶高校設計專業的大學生們來參觀，為重慶的年青藝術家們帶來新的靈感，我們很高興參與這場集體育、文化、創意為一體的盛會。”

除了文化領域，英國文化協會還在教育方面展開交流，不僅關注中英兩國年輕人之間，也關注兩國教育機構間的交流。米博娜告訴記者，此前雙方曾在知識經濟方面展開合作，讓英國與重慶的大學生共同設計新能源汽車。這一次的合作不僅是在大學之間展開，也涉及到長安汽車等工業企業，另一方面也加強了大學生們對知識產權的保護意識。“讓我最感動的是，在這次合作中，很多的英國大學生愛上了中國，并希望畢業后能有機會來到中國工作，這讓我覺得自己從事的這份工作非常有意義”。米博娜說。

不僅如此，英國文化教育處還把工作重點放在建立英中校際關系和發展高等職業教育及中等教育方面，使重慶及西南地區英中文化及教育方面的交流得到進一步拓展。也為中國的大學生提供相同的國際合作機會，增加相互之間的理解。

“在英國，我們開展了一個名叫‘英國下一代’的項目，就是讓英國的大學生到中國學習一段時間，以此更多的了解中國。這是一個五年計劃，我相信這對他們的人生是一次重要的影響，這也是我們與中國保持友好聯系的一種方式。除此以外，我們也與中國漢辦共同合作，為中國受眾提供考試服務，為他們提供一個全球化的平臺進行學習深造。”談到學習漢語，米博娜也表示，自己在重慶待了四年，卻沒能有機會系統地學習中文，這也是她唯一的遺憾。“回英國以后，我會繼續宣揚漢語，讓更多英國人學習中文，因為中國讓我一生難忘。”米博娜一臉動情地說道。

創意產業打造城市文化品牌

四年的時間雖然不長，卻也足夠讓米博娜感受純正的重慶文化。提到重慶，她的腦海里總會浮現出無數的印象，卻又無法用一個準確的詞語來概括對這座城市的看法。“重慶如此快速地發展，激動人心。我認為重慶獨特的城市品牌也來源于它獨特的地理環境，既是一座江城，也是一座山城，自然環境讓人沉醉。”米博娜認為，一座城市不僅要快速發展，也要宜居，拔地而起的高樓和開辟的道路如果越來越不適合人們行走，就會丟失掉自己的文化特性，而重慶需要把自身的各種特點系統化在一起。

“‘創意經濟’和‘創意產業’的發展可以解決這樣的問題。”米博娜表示，創意產業是能夠提供創意的思想，同時也給這個城市提供很多資源，英國與重慶在這方面正進行緊密合作，使重慶更宜居，交通更便捷。“重慶政府已經意識到創意產業這一領域發展的重要性，但這必須是持續性的。”米博娜感到欣慰的是，在文化處工作的時期內，重慶與英國的關系已在創意領域得到實現。在英國，人們樂意投資于創意產業，這對本國的GDP增長貢獻很高。這四年里，她一直不斷地邀請一些在此領域有所見地的英國專家來到重慶進行交流，讓雙方更了解重慶，并明白怎樣激發靈感來發展重慶的創意文化產業。

“我相信，雖然兩國人民對這一產業的理解有所不同，但仍然希望從相互的交流中激發人們的創造力，而這是我們共同的初衷。我希望把重慶建成一個全國范圍內的創意產業發展的平臺，以此引領中國文化的發展。”米博娜對此充滿信心。

重慶是一個有著原汁原味本土特色的大城市，這里有川劇、有壩壩舞，而這些都將重慶文化淋漓盡致地表現了出來。

米博娜希望重慶能加大在全球舞臺宣傳自己的力度，通過在大學之間的交流，在一些領域上，如環保、交通、基礎建設等方面的研究上更充分地表達自己。重慶有這樣的潛力，可以最大程度地宣揚自己的文化，從而打造出屬于自己城市文化的品牌。

重慶精神激勵了我

談到文化，米博娜稱，每個國家、每座城市都有屬于自己的文化特色，就像英國，在擁有厚重的傳統文化的同時，也將自己的其他文化特色多元化，營造了創意文化的環境，正是在這種接受與創新的過程中將自己的傳統文化延續至今。而山城就是重慶作為一座城市的文化獨特之處。在米博娜的眼里，重慶是一個有著原汁原味本土特色的大城市，這里有川劇、有壩壩舞，而這些都將重慶文化淋漓盡致地表現了出來。“重慶能夠從一個名不經傳的小港口發展成為一座國際化的大都市，這其中也是需要巨大創意和開拓精神的。”米博娜不禁感嘆道。

不僅是城市本身，重慶女性在工作中的創造力也讓她印象深刻。“我想也許是受重慶地形的影響吧，整日爬坡上坎，造就了這里的女性吃苦耐勞，勇敢打拼的精神與魄力。”受她們的啟發，米博娜還在重慶就職期間創建了“女性職業發展”項目，鼓勵更多的重慶職業女性，并得到了她們的贊同與支持。

即將離開重慶，米博娜非常不舍，交談間表達了對重慶的留戀：“我與中國的緣分是在重慶展開的，在這里工作和生活的四年時間已經成為我人生中最難忘的一段時光，我永遠不會忘記重慶。”明年便是中國與英國的文化交流年，雖然那時已離開了中國，米博娜表示一定會時刻關注重慶，并盡可能地幫助英國與重慶兩地開展更多的交流項目，讓更多的英國人了解重慶。

CHONGQING…UNFORGETTABLE!An Interview with the Consul of Cultural and Education Section of the British Consulate-General, Paula Middleton

Ms. Paula Middleton has served as the Area Director of the Southwest China British Cultural Association and Consul of the Cultural and Educational Section of the British Consulate-General for the past four years. Ms. Middleton’s feelings about China are derived solely from Chongqing, since this is the only city in China in which she has lived and worked. On August 25th, she shared her experiences with us in a most interesting interview.

Dedicated to Educational Cooperation between the UK and Chongqing

“During the four years that I have worked in the British Cultural Association, we have been dedicated to the fields of education and cultural exchange between the UK and Chongqing. We brought more British culture to Chongqing through the theme of celebrating the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, turning a sports event into a cultural event to strengthen cultural exchanges between both sides. We also brought 12 posters of sports stars designed by famous British artists to Chongqing and invited local college students to visit, bringing new inspiration to young artists. We were very pleased to have participated in this event, combining sports, culture and creativity.” Ms. Middleton told us.

The British Cultural Association also focuses on communication between young people of the UK and China, as well as exchanges between educational institutions of both countries. She told reporters they had a program in which university students from both the UK and Chongqing had the opportunity to design new, energy efficient vehicles. This cooperative program was not only between the universities, but Changan Automobile Corporation was also involved, which enhanced the student awareness of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights. “What impressed me most was many British university students fell in love with China after this cooperative effort and many hoped to have the opportunity to work in China after graduation. This made me feel how meaningful my job really is.” Ms. Middleton said proudly.

“In the United Kingdom, we have a project called, ‘Next Generation of the UK’, which is a f i ve year plan, allowing British college students to study in China to learn more about this country. I believe the effect on their lives was signif i cant. This is one way to maintain friendship with China. In addition, we worked with China Hanban, providing examination services to Chinese audiences as a global platform for postgraduate study.”

On the subject of learning Chinese, Ms. Middleton regretted she did not have the opportunity to learn Chinese during her four years stay in Chongqing. “I will continue to promote Chinese so more British people are encouraged to learn the language. China will always be an unforgettable part of my life.” Ms. Middleton said emotionally.

The Creative Industry Can Create a Unique Cultural Brand for Chongqing

Although many words came up, Ms. Middleton couldn’t f i nd one precise word to sum up her impressions of Chongqing. “Chongqing is developing so quickly; it’s so exciting! I think the unique city brand of Chongqing comes from its unique geographical location. It is a river city and also a mountain city. The natural environment is captivating!” Ms. Middleton believes a city not only needs to develop rapidly, but also needs to be livable. If the buildings and roads become more unsuitable for living, it will lose its cultural identity. Chongqing needs to systemize its own special features.

“The development of ‘creative economy’ and ‘creative industry’ can solve this problem.” Ms. Middleton said. The creative industry is able to provide creative ideas, while offering the city many resources. The UK and Chongqing are cooperating closely to make Chongqing more livable and convenient. Solid relationships between Chongqing and the UK have been developed in the creative f i eld.

She has continued to bring British experts in this field to Chongqing to communicate with local leaders during the past four years to better understand Chongqing, be inspired and learn how to develop a creative cultural industry in Chongqing.

“I believe, although we have a different understanding of this industry, we want to inspire people through mutual exchanges. That is our common goal. I hope to build Chongqing into a nationwide platform for the development of a creative industry, to lead the development of modern Chinese culture.” Ms. Middleton has full conf i dence in this effort.

She hopes Chongqing can strengthen its efforts to promote itself on the global stage through university exchanges in certain areas, such as environmental protection, transportation, infrastructure and research. Chongqing has the potential to fully express itself, to best publicize its culture, thus creating its own brand of urban culture.

Chongqing’s Spirit Inspires Me

When talking about culture, Ms. Middleton said, every country, every city has its own cultural characteristics. “In the UK we have our own cultural diversity as well as a profound traditional culture, which makes a creative environment that continues its traditional culture to the present day, even while in the process of receptivity and innovation. The mountains and rivers are culturally unique to Chongqing.” In her eyes, Chongqing is a large city with authentic local characteristics; such as Sichuan Opera and Plaza dancing, all vividly demonstrating Chongqing culture. “Chongqing is turning from a not well known small port city into an international metropolis. It also requires great creativity and a pioneering spirit.” Ms. Middleton said with emotion.

In addition to the city itself, another aspect that impresses her is Chongqing women’s creativity at work. “Maybe it is influenced by the Chongqing terrain, I suppose, all day climbing hills makes women here very hard working. They have a very courageous spirit and courage.” Inspired by them, Ms. Middleton started her ‘Women Career Development’ project in Chongqing to encourage more professional women, which has received their approval and support.

Since she will be leaving Chongqing soon, Ms. Middleton expressed her nostalgic feelings for the city. “I started my fate with China by working in Chongqing. I’ve worked here for four years and it has become the most memorable time in my life. I will never forget Chongqing. Next year is going to be the cultural exchange year between China and the United Kingdom. I will always pay attention to Chongqing and try to help carry out more exchange opportunities between the two sides, so more British people will know about Chongqing.” ”

重慶獨特的城市品牌來源于它獨特的地理環境，既是一座江城，也是一座山城，自然環境讓人沉醉。 攝影：王正坤