Teochew people

Teochew people are a Han Chinese ethnic group native to the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong province in China. They are known for their distinct culture, dialect, and cuisine, which have significantly influenced other parts of Asia, particularly Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia.

History

The Teochew people originated from what is now the Chaoshan region during the Tang dynasty. They migrated to this area from the central plains of China in response to the chaos of war, famine, and social unrest. Over time, the Teochew people developed their unique culture and dialect, which are distinct from other Han Chinese groups.

Language

The Teochew dialect is a variant of Southern Min, a branch of the Min Chinese languages. It is significantly different from other Chinese dialects and has a high degree of mutual intelligibility with the Hokkien dialect. The Teochew dialect is widely spoken among the Teochew diaspora in Southeast Asia and North America.

Culture

Teochew culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on education, filial piety, and respect for elders. The Teochew people are also known for their traditional music, opera, and puppet shows, which are unique to the Chaoshan region. The Teochew cuisine is renowned for its seafood dishes, vegetarian meals, and desserts.

Diaspora

The Teochew diaspora is significant, with large communities in Southeast Asia and North America. They have made significant contributions to the economies and societies of their adopted countries, particularly in the fields of business, politics, and culture.

See also

• Chaoshan
• Teochew dialect
• Teochew cuisine
• Han Chinese
• Min Chinese