Han Chinese, Mandarin in Uruguay

Introduction / History

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in the world. Although the vast majority live in mainland China, many have immigrated to other countries, and today they reside in nearly every nation of the world including Uruguay.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. In Uruguay, they are usually Mandarin speakers. The speakers of one Chinese dialect cannot understand the speakers of another. The writing system is the same so they can communicate on paper but not orally.

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 different nations, especially in Southeast Asia. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. Today, they are very influential in the economies of many of these nations, including a small population in Uruguay.

The Chinese didn’t arrive in Uruguay until after the 1949 Chinese Communist Revolution. Most live in the capital city, Montevideo.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Montevideo, the Chinese have their own associations. There is the Uruguay-China Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Uruguayan Association. These have a couple of purposes. They act as an “ambassador” for the Chinese community to the majority population. They also give the Chinese a good way to meet other Chinese through cultural events.

The Chinese have contributed to Uruguay. There have been Chinese professors and architects. Some teach Mandarin to Spanish-speaking Uruguayans.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Uruguay are secularized, but some have a strong faith in the Lord. These people can take the gospel to the unreached people groups in Latin America. They might be very effective in reaching the less reached wealthy communities in Uruguay.

What Are Their Needs?

Secularized thinking and a non-stop work schedule make many Mandarin Chinese unable to deal with their spiritual needs. Those who have made Christ their Lord can be used by him to expand God’s kingdom to the lost in their adopted country.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to use vibrant Mandarin Chinese Christ followers to disciple the unreached people groups of Latin America.
Pray for Chinese Christian believers to fill the bowls of incense with prayer for the lost in their adopted country.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project