Telugu-speaking South Asian in Saudi Arabia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The peoples of India have managed to go to other parts of the world to make their mark, and Telegu speakers are no exception. Telegu refers to a Dravidian (southern Indian) language spoken mainly in India's states of Andhra Pradesh and Telegana, where it is the official language. Early inscriptions in Telegu date back to 575AD, and literary works started in the 11th century. From the mid 1700s until India became a sovereign nation in 1948, this part of India was ruled in part by monarchs, but ultimately controlled by the British Raj. Hyderabad, as the princely state was then called, was among the most prosperous princely states of India. It is still one of India's most prosperous states. Still, some Telegus can make more money by going to Saudi Arabia.


Where Are they Located?

Telegu speakers in Saudi Arabia tend to live in Riyadh and other major cities.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Indians who go abroad for work are professionals. In Saudi Arabia you will find businessmen, accountants, and doctors among the Telegu speaking community. Those with less education can be construction or oil workers. Saudi Arabia is a very strict Sunni Islamic state, and some Telegu speakers have been abused. Women who are domestic servants have been physically abused, and one male inmate was beaten with a whip.

Still, Telegu speakers are becoming more numerous and settling into Saudi Arabia. In 2013, they established their own association to preserve, maintain and perpetuate their cultural heritage in Saudi Arabia. They have a matrimonial site for people who speak Telegu in Saudi Arabia. Even though they are far from home in a Muslim land, Telegu speakers will keep good contact with their families and friends in southern India.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Hindus who look to their gods to provide them with prosperity and good fortune. They celebrate all the Hindu festivals. The dates of these festivals vary depending on the Hindu calendar, which is lunar.

Surprisingly, about three percent of the Telegu speakers in Saudi Arabia are Christian, something that is very unusual in this bastion of Islam. Saudi Arabia is reluctant to allow members of other religious communities to live in their country.


What Are Their Needs?

Telegu women need discernment and protection from predatory employees.


Prayer Points

Pray for safety for Telegu employees in Saudi Arabia. Their women are especially vulnerable to abuse.
Pray for the Telegu people to flourish spiritually in Saudi Arabia and gain a spiritual hunger that will make them question any religion based on works-righteousness.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement to emerge among Telegu speakers in Saudi Arabia and India.


Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, Telugu-speaking in Saudi Arabia.


References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_people
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/middle-east-news/Telugu-speaking-Indians-form-association-in-Saudi-Arabia/articleshow/26908841.cms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTF5UC5eeho
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5lTEOa1XCE


Profile Source:   Keith Carey  

People Name General South Asian, Telugu-speaking
People Name in Country South Asian, Telugu-speaking
Natural Name Telugu-speaking South Asian
Pronunciation TEL-uh-goo
Alternate Names Andhra; Telegu; Tolangan
Population this Country 383,000
Population all Countries 1,175,000
Total Countries 11
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 8
People ID 15324
ROP3 Code 109930
ROP25 Code 308052
ROP25 Name Telugu
Country Saudi Arabia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 13  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Saudi Arabia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 13  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)

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Primary Religion: Hinduism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.60 %)
3.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
97.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Telugu (383,000 speakers)
Language Code tel   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Telugu (383,000 speakers)
Language Code tel   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Telugu

Primary Language:  Telugu

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1812-1966)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1818-1989)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1854-2022)
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YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
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Amazon
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Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
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Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Telugu Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
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General Four Spiritual Laws Campus Crusade for Christ
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General Gospel website in this language General / Other
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Keith Carey 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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