Burmese Chin Quick Fact Sheet

Background o The Chin are an ethnic group in Burma (Myanmar) who are persecuted for ethnic and religious reasons. Many Chin have fled to refugee camps in Malaysia and Thailand o There are many sub-groups of Chin, but the largest group that is re-settling in the United States are the Hakha Chin o Burma was colonized by the British, and gained independence in early 1948 Civil war broke out, and in 1962 military rule began, with fighting between the military government and various factions o In 1988, a democracy movement rose to challenge the military government, and most Chin sided with the democratic force. This included the rise of the Chin National Front. However, the military government maintained control and the Chin were persecuted Because the majority of Chin are Protestant Christians, the government has pulled down crosses and scripted the Chin into forced labor. Being a member of the Chin National Front carries a penalty of 1015 years in prison Language, Religion, Traditional Practices o There are 20-25 Chin languages o Rice cultivation and farming are a large part of life for the Chin, and rice is the main staple of their diet o Most Chin work in the agricultural sector o The husband is the head of the household and only sons may inherit property o Support of/from clan members is expected Adjusting to America o The Chin have varying levels of education, with those Chin living in rural areas having typically having the least amount. There is little opportunity for education for youth in the refugee camps in Malaysia o Most Chin are familiar with the Roman alphabet, which will aide them in learning English o Some forms of body language that differ from American body language: Eye contact can be seen as an act of challenge by the Chin Crossing the arms in front of the body is thought to be polite behavior, and should not be read as a sign of hostility