Dong People :: Profile

Geographical Distribution There are close to 3 million Dong in Southwest China concentrated in the juncture of Guangxi, Guizhou, and Hunan provinces. 1.7 million Dong live in southeastern Guizhou, 800,000 in southwestern Hunan and 200,000 in northern Guangxi. Most Dong live in valleys surrounded by rough mountainous terrain. There are no major cities; most live in villages. The majority of roads in the region are narrow, unpaved mountainous, and subject to flooding and landslides.
Language and Dialects Two major dialects, northern and southern. Use Han characters for writing. Dong is a Dai related language with almost 2 million speakers. It is a tonal language with two main dialects (northern and southern). A romanized script was created for the Dong language in the 1950’s, but only one small area (where 6 Dong Chinese schools exist) can read and write Dong. The remainder of the Dong rely on Chinese, completely unrelated to their native Dong tongue, to read and write.
Livelihood Agriculture is the main occupation; including rice farming, vegetables, fish, pigs, and other livestock. Additionally, men often hunt or work in the lumber industry; women weave, dye cloth, and make other handicrafts.

Culture, Customs & Character The Dong are well known for distinctive wooden architecture, particularly Wind and Rain Bridges and Drum Towers which are built without nails. Folk singing and dancing play an integral role in traditional Dong festivals as well as the courtship process. The Dong are traditionally a very friendly people. Village life tends to be casual and relaxed. Hard work and socializing with one another are both valued. Villages feel like an extended family; children play with one another as they go about their daily chores. Outsiders are treated with hospitality, respect, and are generally included in village life.

Religion Traditionally the "Sa" goddess—or Grandmother—was a Dong folk hero or a major deity. Certain large trees, and rocks are venerated. Most Dong mix Chinese idols and animistic sacrifices to spirits. Due to the influence of Marxism in education, Dong young people are increasingly likely to be atheist.

Response to the Gospel Christian workers among the Dong only know of two to four small village congregations (less than 20 believers). There may be two or three other small Han and other Chinese minority congregations which contain Dong believers, but we only know of a handful of isolated believers scattered throughout the Dong areas. The primary need is initial evangelization and training among the Dong.

Challenges A complete NT has been completed in Dong, but is not available for use. It has not been conclusively checked for accuracy and understandability. A separate translation work in progress is expected to finish a final draft of Luke and begin scripting the Jesus Film by the end of 2004.

Vision An indigenous, reproductive Dong church solidly founded in Christ and the Bible, bearing fruit throughout all Dong areas and reaching out to other peoples