Understanding the Hakka: What is a Hakka?
The Hakka people, generally understood as “guest people,” is both an ethnic group and a language spoken by them, found in parts of China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Jamaica. Being scattered and spread throughout various countries, the Hakka people thus created their own culture, language, and narrative which has evolved even to date. The Hakka language is spoken by large communities in the countries of India, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Origins and History of the Hakka
The origin of the Hakka is somewhat unknown, but it is believed to have originated from northern China. Most records suggest that their ancestors typically resided to the north of the Yellow River and moved during times of political and social conflict, during a period known as the Chinese diaspora.

The Hakka have faced a long and difficult history throughout China, and one of the most significant of these being the Sino-Japanese War. In 1941, they faced terrible persecution by the imperial government of Japan, who compelled young Hakka men to join its armed forces, in a time that the Hakka refer to as ‘hell’. After their long migration, the Hakka eventually settled in the Guangdong Province, Taiwan, and Fujian island, among other places.

The Culture and Identity of the Hakka
Hakka etymology revolves around their own identity and self-realization. The word “Hakka” is derived from the Chinese Hakka dialect which is “Ke Jiu”. This phrase translates to “guest home,” referring to the fact that they have relocated many times to different places.

The Hakka community is renowned for its unique culture and traditions. This includes a delicious cuisine which consists of dishes like stir-fry, salted dishes, steamed dishes and Tam Sui rice pudding. Hakka cultural activities such as folk games and traditional festivals are still held to this day.

In terms of their identity, the Hakka believe that their community acts as a source of strength. It is this sense of family, tradition and pride that defines the Hakka people, unifying them under their common shared history and culture.

Conclusion
The Hakka community encompasses many inspiring aspects of culture, language and identity. With a deep-rooted history of resilience, Hakka culture continues to be an influential part of China’s cultural diversity. They are renowned for their sense of community and culture that is so strongly interwoven into their identity.