Hakka Chinese in Taiwan


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Hakka, although proud of their cultural differences, have never claimed to be non-Chinese. Many famous Chinese have been Hakka, including Deng Xiaoping, Lee Kwan Yew, and Hong Xiuquan (the leader of the Taiping Rebellion).
There is much speculation concerning the historical roots of the Hakka. Some claim that they were the first Chinese people to arrive in China. Others claim that the Hakka are the descendants of the Xiongnu tribe. This much is agreed upon: At various stages between the fourth and thirteenth centuries AD, large numbers of people were forced to flee their homes in the war-torn Yellow River valley to seek refuge in southern China. These war refugees came to be known as Kejia - a Hakka word meaning "strangers" or "guests." When the Mongol hordes swept across China in the thirteenth century, many Hakka fled to southern China and Taiwan to escape the carnage.


What Are Their Lives Like?

In Taiwan, the younger generations of Hakka have largely assimilated into society with the rest of the island because of educational needs. Most Hakka communities don't have high school or colleges, so young Hakka have to attend school in bigger cities where they usually end up settling.  Older generations of Hakka still live predominately in rural communities outside of bigger cities. While most understand Mandarin, the national language in Taiwan, their heart language is really Hakka, so that's been a barrier in communicating the gospel to them.  The Hakka have their own cuisine, architecture and dress.


They have their own cuisine, architecture and dress. Their spiritual beliefs are very similar to other Han Chinese groups. At one time there were Hakka villages in Hong Kong, but that part of the world is becoming increasingly urban.
What Are Their Beliefs?

They don't adhere to a strict organized religion, but most devoutly worship family ancestors. Some are Animists and there is renewed interest in Shamanism and Buddhism. There is a Hakka Church in Taiwan, but the numbers are static. This Church is not growing.


What Are Their Needs?

The Hakka people in Taiwan need hearts that are open to Jesus Christ and a willingness to repent and live for Him so that they can enjoy His abundant life.


Prayer Points

Pray for hearts and minds that are open to adhering to the ways of Jesus Christ.
Pray for more Holy Spirit anointed believers to go to the Hakka in Taiwan.
Pray for leaders in the Taiwanese Hakka community to open the doors to hearing the gospel.
Pray this will be the decade where there is a powerful movement to Christ among the Hakka in Taiwan.


Scripture Prayers for the Han Chinese, Hakka in Taiwan.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

Additional Info
Global Prayer Digest: 2007-07-07
Han profile for Children and Family Missions Activities
People Name General Han Chinese, Hakka
People Name in Country Han Chinese, Hakka
Natural Name Hakka Chinese
Pronunciation HAH-kah
Alternate Names Han Chinese; Hokka; Ke; Kechia; Kehia; Kejia; Kek; Khek; Majia; Totok; Xinmin
Population this Country 4,313,000
Population all Countries 44,197,000
Total Countries 23
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 86
People ID 12054
ROP3 Code 103691
Country Taiwan
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Miaoli and Taoyuan counties: on northwest coast; Hsinchu and New Taipei municipalities; Kaohsiung and Pintung counties: on south coast.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Taiwan
Region Asia, Northeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Miaoli and Taoyuan counties: on northwest coast; Hsinchu and New Taipei municipalities; Kaohsiung and Pintung counties: on south coast..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Han Chinese, Hakka in Taiwan
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
17.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.42 %)
2.10 %
Ethnic Religions
70.90 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
10.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Chinese, Hakka
Language Code hak   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Chinese, Hakka
Language Code hak   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Chinese, Hakka
Photo Source 婷 尹 - Pixabay 
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project  
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Read more