Overseas Chinese

Overseas Chinese are people of Chinese ethnicity who live outside China. This term is often used to refer to ethnic Chinese living in Southeast Asia, the Americas, Europe, and other parts of the world. The overseas Chinese community is diverse, comprising immigrants, long-term residents, and transient international students.

History

The history of the overseas Chinese community dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Chinese merchants started to trade in the South China Sea, and established communities in the region. The migration of Chinese people increased significantly during the Qing Dynasty due to economic hardships in China.

Culture

Overseas Chinese have a unique culture that blends traditional Chinese elements with influences from their host countries. This includes language, religion, cuisine, and social norms. Many overseas Chinese continue to practice Chinese traditions and celebrate Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Language

The language of the overseas Chinese community is diverse. While Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, many overseas Chinese also speak other Chinese dialects such as Cantonese, Hokkien, and Teochew. In addition, many overseas Chinese are bilingual or multilingual, speaking the language of their host country in addition to Chinese.

Cuisine

Overseas Chinese cuisine is a blend of traditional Chinese cooking techniques and local ingredients. This has led to the creation of unique dishes that are distinct from those found in China. Examples include American Chinese cuisine, Peruvian Chinese cuisine, and Indian Chinese cuisine.

Contributions

Overseas Chinese have made significant contributions to their host countries in various fields such as business, politics, science, and arts. They have also played a crucial role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between China and the rest of the world.

See also

• Chinese diaspora
• Chinese immigration
• Chinese American
• Chinese Canadian
• Chinese Australian

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