Han Chinese, Mandarin in Netherlands

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 the Netherlands.

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. This is true in the Netherlands as well as in other countries.

The first Chinese came to the Netherlands in the early 1900s as cheap labor. Many of them returned to China. Those who speak Mandarin were more likely to arrive in the 1980s or later as students. Others are in the Netherlands to conduct business.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the Netherlands, many Chinese or work at restaurants. They are spread out throughout the country. Their children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies. Chinese schools are usually attended by those who speak languages other than Mandarin.

There is conflict between the older, more established Chinese and the ones who have arrived more recently, especially regarding the usefulness of Chinese schools.

The Chinese in the Netherlands have earned a bad reputation from illegal businesses that smuggle Chinese migrants to work as cheap labor. This stereotype is not fair; Mandarin Chinese people have contributed to the Netherlands in sports, entertainment, business and academics.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Mandarin speakers in the Netherlands are more likely to be from the PRC than those who speak other Chinese languages. The communist belief in atheism affects them, so most 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 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.
Pray for the Lord to rescue Chinese people being smuggled in or out of the Netherlands.

Text Source:   Joshua Project