Han Chinese, Min Nan in United States

People Name:	Han Chinese, Min Nan
Country:	United States
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	225,000
World Population:	44,117,900
Primary Language:	Chinese, Min Nan
Primary Religion:	Non-Religious
Christian Adherents:	9.00 %
Evangelicals:	6.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Chinese
Affinity Bloc:	East Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Min Nan language is also called Hokkien. It is primarily spoken along China’s eastern and southern coasts, Hong Kong, Thailand, and especially in Taiwan. Their language came from a tenth-century kingdom based in Fujian, now a province of China.

Min Nan speakers are among the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most nations of the world.

The Han Chinese began fleeing to other countries in 1276 after the Mongol invasion. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations, particularly in Southeast Asia.

The number Min Nan Chinese arriving in the US dramatically increased in 1949 during the chaos caused by China’s Communist Revolution. Some Min Nan speakers fled to Taiwan. Over the years, the Taiwanese have established strong businesses in the US and some more have come to North America for business purposes.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Min Nan Chinese have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees. They retain Chinese customs regarding marriage and family. They treat their children affectionately and usually indulge boys more than girls. The children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies.

The Han Chinese are known for their politeness and will go to great lengths to avoid disputes. However, once a dispute begins it is very difficult to stop because the Chinese place a high value on "saving face." Giving ground in an open dispute would cause them to lose face—something the Min Nan Chinese try to avoid at all costs.

The Min Nan Chinese are one of the best-educated and wealthiest ethnic communities in the United States. They have a low poverty rate. Most hold white-collar jobs, not only in business management but also in medicine and law.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Min Nan Chinese have generally maintained traditional Chinese religion. Over time these traditional religious beliefs added elements of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. These beliefs are centered around the concept of maintaining harmony, something greatly valued by all Chinese people. The Min Nam Chinese consult horoscopes in an attempt to determine what course of action will promote harmony and bring good luck. They also believe in a pantheon of spirits who inhabit the earth. The spirits of their ancestors supposedly roam the earth, and if treated properly they will bring good luck. Ghosts are the spirits of people who are angry at the circumstances of their death; they are malicious and capricious. By contrast, deities are the souls of people who lived virtuous lives. They have spiritual powers that can be used to benefit those who worship them. Although the Min Nam Chinese claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in their daily practices.

Less than 10 percent of the Min Nan speakers in America are Christians. However, they are strong in their faith, and many are involved with frontier mission work around the world.

What Are Their Needs?

They are among America’s wealthiest communities, and some are part of the Fortune 500. Materialism and status are often used as substitutes for spiritual needs.

Prayer Points

Pray for Min Nan workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple many in the ways of Christ.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Pray for Min Nan speakers to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.