Han Chinese, Mandarin in Seychelles
Photo Source:
Jakob Montrasio - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
|
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
|
| People Name: | Han Chinese, Mandarin |
| Country: | Seychelles |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 600 |
| World Population: | 931,431,600 |
| Primary Language: | Chinese, Mandarin |
| Primary Religion: | Non-Religious |
| Christian Adherents: | 8.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 5.70 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Chinese |
| Affinity Bloc: | East Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
|
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 the Seychelles.
Most Han Chinese speak one of the many Chinese dialects, which include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien or Min Bei. In the Seychelles, there are two rival Chinese language groups, those who speak Cantonese and those who speak Mandarin. 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. 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 the Seychelles.
The first Chinese immigrants came to the Seychelles in 1886. They would commonly come as business apprentices and bring their families. By the 1940s the Chinese tried to open a Chinese language school, but the government of the Seychelles denied them permission. It wasn’t until 2007 that the PRC sent a Chinese language teacher who started the first Chinese language school.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Mandarin speakers don’t get along with Cantonese speakers. They are more likely to marry African women than intermarry. Today most Mandarin Chinese also speak the local language.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Mandarin Chinese in the Seychelles are secularized, but some have a strong faith in the Lord. These people can take the gospel to the unreached people groups in their adopted country.
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 those who need Christ’s touch in the Seychelles.
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.