Han Chinese, Mandarin in Korea, North

Introduction / History

Mandarin speakers are among the Han Chinese, the largest ethnic group worldwide. They are the majority in China, but most nations have a Chinese diaspora.

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 outside China.

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. For that reason, if they are from the PRC, migrants are fluent in Mandarin.

Sometimes they migrated as refugees but they are more likely to settle elsewhere for business purposes. Wherever they went, the Chinese settled almost exclusively in urban areas and became involved in business and commerce. That includes North Korea.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In North Korea, Mandarin Chinese have maintained their culture and language to varying degrees. They retain Chinese customs regarding marriage and family. They treat their children affectionately and usually indulge boys more than girls. The children are pushed to do well in school and are given much time to devote to their studies.

The Han Chinese are known for their politeness and will go to great lengths to avoid disputes. However, once a dispute begins it is very difficult to stop because the Chinese place a high value on "saving face." Giving ground in an open dispute would cause them to lose face—something the Mandarin Chinese try to avoid at all costs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Mandarin Chinese in North Korea are secular in their spiritual beliefs. There are some, however, who are Christian. Among them are some who genuinely follow the Lord.

What Are Their Needs?

Like anyone else in North Korea, the Mandarin Chinese must navigate life with a highly oppressive government. They need protection.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mandarin Chinese Christ followers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to disciple Indonesian Muslims in the ways of Christ.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly.
Pray for the Mandarin Chinese to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project