Han Chinese, Mandarin in Reunion

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 Reunion.

Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. 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 Reunion.

The first Chinese migrants to Reunion came as early as the 1870s. Most of these were from southern China, not Mandarin speakers. More recent Chinese are from the PRC, and they speak Mandarin.

One of the countries where Mandarin Chinese people are settling is Reunion. Chinese people migrated to Reunion as early as 1844, but there were no Mandarin speakers until the late 20th century. For a small island, there is a high number of Chinese people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Typically the Mandarin Chinese send their children to Chinese schools where they remain enculturated and able to speak Mandarin. They have contact with the local people through their many privately owned shops and restaurants. These restaurants are popular in Reunion.

There will probably be more Mandarin Chinese migrating to Reunion in the future. China’s economic influence over Reunion (and much of Africa for that matter) is increasing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in Reunion are secularized, but some have a strong faith in the Lord. These people can take the gospel to the unreached peoples of Reunion.

What Are Their Needs?

Secularized thinking and a non-stop work schedule make the Mandarin Chinese unable to deal with their spiritual needs. There is a great opportunity for Mandarin Chinese Christ-followers to take Christ to the many unreached people groups in East Africa.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to use vibrant Mandarin Chinese Christ followers to disciple the unreached people groups.
Pray for Chinese Christian believers to fill the bowls of incense with prayer for Africans.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project