ETHNIC

GROUPS OF

ASIA

Han

Where: China

Religion: Primary religions—Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism (religion is banned though)

Culture:

Largest single ethnic group in the world

Many historical contributions

Chinese holidays—importance of dragon

Large rectangular houses for extended family

Rice staple food

Last name first, first name second

Three classes in society—mandarins, peasants, “mean people”

Languages: Han, Mandarin, Cantonese

Han

Lantern Festival Chinese language

Han

Traditional Han Clothing Chinese house

Mongols

Where: Mongolia

Religion: Buddhism

Culture:

Primarily nomadic

Superstitious

Haircutting ceremony for children

Great oral tradition

Eat a lot of meat & dairy

Very decorative clothing

Ger is traditional home

“Horseback people” & festivals

Mongols

Ger Traditional clothing

Mongols

Haircutting Ceremony Horse races

Hmong

Where: Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar

Religion: Animism & ancestor worship

Culture

Least likely to assimilate in America

They have their own language and religion

Organized into clans

Marriage kidnappings

7 souls

Most foods are boiled, steamed or stir-fried

Strict housing rules

Hmong

Hmong girls Inside a Hmong house

Indo-Aryan (Indian)

Where: India & Pakistan

Religion: Hindu & Islam

Culture:

Arranged marriages

Lots of festivals & ceremonies

Traditional sari

Known for spicy food

Indian dance very important

Bollywood

Indo-Aryan

Saris Scenes from Bollywood

Indo-Aryan

Indian Food Holi Festival

Bengali

Where: Bangladesh & India

Religion: Islam & Hinduism

Culture:

Language is Bengali, but also speak English & Urdu

Entire community celebrates festivals regardless of

religion

Arranged marriages

Similar to Indian food

Saris & Kurtas

Bengali

Cuisine Kurta

Maylay

Where: Malaysia, parts of Indonesia

Religion: Muslim and animism

Culture:

Lots of Indian influence

Language influences most of SE Asia

Combat arts

Kite flying

Housing accommodates the climate

Malay

Traditional House Malay Kids

Korean

Where: North & South Korea

Religion: Religion banned in NK, primarily Christian in SK with some Confucianism & Buddhism

Culture

Family oriented/ancestor honor

Family homes

Some marriages still arranged

Fish & meat eaten, with barley replacing rice in some places

Folk dancing

Gardens are important

Tea ceremonies

Korean

Traditional House Bridal robes

Ainu

Where: Japan

Religion: traditional tribal religion

Culture:

Language: Ainu

Were racially discriminated against for many years

Fierce fighters

Men have full beards & mustaches

Women often tattooed

Traditional dress is long robes

Primarily eat meat and fish

Reed thatched huts

Ainu (Japanese)

Traditional House Ainu clothing & tattoos