Han Chinese, Mandarin in Cambodia

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 world nations. The Han Chinese fled to other countries after the Mongol invasion in 1276. Many other upheavals and conflicts followed, and the Chinese continued to settle in other nations, especially in Southeast Asia. One of these countries is Cambodia. 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, China's capital city and power center. 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.

The Chinese have been in Cambodia for centuries. They have played a central role in the Cambodian economy.

The Chinese in Cambodia speak many dialects including Mandarin. Mandarin speakers have a smaller population than those who speak dialects from southern China including Hakka, Hainanese and Cantonese.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mandarin Chinese are business leaders in Cambodia. They are shopkeepers, food processors, store managers, etc. Even in rural areas, they tend towards owning small businesses. Mandarin Chinee moneylenders maintain much control over Cambodians in both rural and urban areas.

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Cambodia, most of the Mandarin Chinese are secularized. Some practice the Chinese religion which includes the belief in ghosts and spirits. However, there are strong Christ followers among them who can take the gospel to others.

What Are Their Needs?

Materialism can become an idol. Even Christians among the Mandarin Chinese can easily dedicate their lives to making money. Bible-based Christians among them can offer a biblical perspective.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mandarin evangelists, 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