Tai Daeng in Vietnam

People Name:	Tai Daeng
Country:	Vietnam
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	175,000
World Population:	203,000
Primary Language:	Tai Daeng
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	1.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.35 %
Scripture:	Translation Started
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Tai
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Making their way into Northern Vietnam from China by following the Red River, the Tai Daeng (AKA, Red Tai) finally settled in the region that is now known as Thanh Hoa Province, south of Sam Nuea.

The Tai peoples emigrated south from China due to unending pressure by the Chinese. In 1884, the French colonized Vietnam, and in 1948, organized an independent Tai Federation. Communist rebels emerged, leading to the demise of the federation. North Vietnam became a communist nation in 1954. After a prolonged civil war, communism took the rest of Vietnam by 1975.

The Tai Daeng (Red Tai) are closely related to the White and Black Tai, who were named for the color of their women's traditional clothing. Their tonal language, Tai Daeng, belongs to a larger ethno-linguistic grouping of people known as the Tai, which also include the Laotians, the Shan, and some other groups. They live in Laos as well as Vietnam.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Tai Daeng are unusually polite, respectful and hospitable people. Beginning at a very young age, their children are taught proper social behavior. This code of conduct is based on having respect for those who rank higher. Additional emphasis is placed on becoming independent and self-reliant.

Tai Daeng society is very structured; it is organized on the basis of age, occupation and wealth. For example, farmers are ranked below craftsmen, merchants and city government officials. The priests form their own separate class.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The basic unit of Tai Daeng society is the family, which is basically patriarchal

or male-dominated. The immediate family usually live together, and there is mutual respect for one another at all levels. They live, eat, and farm together with the wom

What Are Their Needs?

The vast majority of the Tai Daeng practice animism (belief that spirits are located in objects). The people often seek help through supernatural spirits and objects. They also believe in multiple personal souls. Rituals for strengthening the individual p

Prayer Points

Their greatest need is to place their faith in Jesus Christ, alone.
There are very few Christian resources available in their Tai Daeng language. There is also a need for more laborers to minister hope and healing.