Han Chinese, Mandarin in Italy

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 Italy.

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. 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.

A high percentage of Chinese migrants speak Mandarin as a first or second language. There is a sizeable number of them residing in Italy. They are concentrated in Prato, Milan and Tuscany.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Italy, the Chinese own shops or restaurants. Others are involved with retail or international trade. There is a “Little China” community in Prato. Many struggle with cultural identity, especially those who are second-generation. Such people don’t feel fully Chinese or Italian.

Italian police have caught human traffickers using luxury cars to smuggle Chinese migrants into Italy as cheap labor. Smugglers pose as wealthy Chinese businessmen.

The Chinese in Italy speak many languages including Mandarin. The younger generation is more likely to feel comfortable with Italian.

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. Although the Mandarin Chinese claim adherence to these beliefs, they seem to have little effect on their everyday lives. About one-third are secularized.

There is also a strong Mandarin Chinese church in Italy that makes up a significant percentage of its population. Among them are Roman Catholics and Evangelicals who can disciple 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 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