The Chinese community is one of the largest in North America. It is located primarily in large cities and towns across the United States.
Chinese diaspora communities have also been formed in Asia, particularly Singapore. These communities are mainly made up of professional and intellectual elites with strong ties to their home countries.
History
The Chinese community in the United States and Canada has a long history of migration. Early waves of immigration to the US, especially the West Coast, centered around farm laborers and other manual workers.
These men were lured to the United States by opportunities for work in agriculture, mining, railroad construction, and other low-skilled industries. They came with the hope that their earnings could be sent back to China.
In 1882, the US Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, a reaction to public fears and pressure from labor unions. This law permanently stunted Asian migration to the US, especially to the west coast.
Language
Chinese people make up a large percentage of the population in many parts of the world. They are represented in a number of different languages and dialects.
The most common Chinese languages are Mandarin and Cantonese. Toisanese is another popular dialect that has been adapted to the west.
The University of Minnesota is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in North America. Our campus is a great place to learn Chinese and develop cross-cultural understanding through interaction with fellow students from all over the world.
Culture
Chinese culture is rich with tradition, and its people live a balance between old world values and westernized lifestyles. This balancing act is apparent when it comes to their music, eating, and clothing habits.
China is a vast country with over 1 billion people and a huge range of customs and traditions. This is a result of the many different ethnic groups that have lived in the country throughout its history.
Traditional Chinese etiquette stresses the importance of courtesy, honor, and proper social relations. It is important to maintain these values to avoid conflicts and promote harmony within the community.
Religion
Chinese people have a wide variety of religious beliefs, including Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Though many of these religions are criticized by the Chinese government, they continue to be practiced and are a significant part of daily life in the country.
The government recognizes five officially recognized religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Protestantism and Catholicism. These organizations are required to register with the government and comply with regulations. They may only hold worship services or activities if authorized by one of the national religious associations. These include the Buddhist Association of China (BAC), the Chinese Taoist Association, the Islamic Association of China, the Three Self Patriotic Movement Church and the Catholic Church in China.
Family
In China, the family is the social unit of primary importance. In a traditional society, the family provided every person with a safe place to live and a means of support.
The family is based on filial piety, a pillar of Chinese morality that emphasizes obedience to elders, ancestor worship, and a devotion to family. Members of younger generations were expected to obey their parents’ word without question and consult their elders before making important decisions.
In modern society, the family has changed dramatically. Today, families usually pool their income and all members are obliged to provide for their aged or disabled relatives. This is called neo-familism.