Han Chinese, Mandarin in Fiji

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. 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.

In Fiji, there is a Chinese community, most of whom speak Cantonese or Shanghainese. A smaller number are native Mandarin speakers. In general, they arrived later than the others. All of them also speak the local Fijian language. The Chinese have been in Fiji since 1855.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mandarin Chinese in Fiji are politically and economically powerful. They own shops, bakeries, restaurants, retailers, horticultural and gardening businesses.

There have been problems with human trafficking from China. Some of the Chinese in Fiji work in slave-like conditions.

The Chinese are noted for their elaborate New Year celebrations. Their celebrations highlight the desire for "happiness", "wealth" and "longevity" in the new year.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Fiji are secularized. 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