Han Chinese, Mandarin in Aruba

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but there is a Chinese diaspora in most nations of the world including Aruba.

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, especially in Southeast Asia. Sometimes they migrated as refugees but they are more likely to settle elsewhere for business purposes.

The Chinese languages are united by a writing system that people who speak any Chinese language can understand. It’s very different with spoken Chinese; few dialects are intelligible to the other. The largest Chinese language is Mandarin.

Mandarin has four subdialects, but these are mutually intelligible. One of the subdialects was from Beijing, the capital city and power center of China. It was the language of the educated classes and made the official language during the Qing dynasty in the early 20th century. The Chinese government wasn’t strong enough to enforce it until the 1949 communist revolution. Mao gained far more power than any Chinese leader, and Mandarin became the official language taught in Chinese schools from that time forward. Though the Chinese kept their local dialects, Mandarin became the language of media, education, business and government throughout China.

A high percentage of Chinese migrants speak Mandarin either as a first or second language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Aruba, the Chinese are commonly shop owners. The older generation is more likely to maintain Mandarin while the younger generation either speaks Spanish or Papiamento, the local language of Aruba.

Mandarin-speaking Chinese people have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees. They retain Chinese customs regarding marriage and family. Their 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 Chinese try to avoid at all costs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most 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 Mandarin 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 Mandarin Chinese claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. Many are non-religious in their daily practices, especially those with a strong communist background.

There is also a strong Mandarin Chinese church in Cuba that makes up a significant percentage of their population. They have the opportunity to disciple others.

What Are Their Needs?

Materialism can become an idol. The Mandarin Chinese can easily dedicate their lives to making money. Sometimes their spirituality is connected to a desire for wealth. The Christians among them can offer a biblical perspective.

Prayer Points

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

Text Source:   Joshua Project