i understand a bit of Mandarin. Mandarin is the national languages in China ... then each area have their own dialect, such as Cantonese or Hokkian. The writing is the same, but the pronounciation totally different.

My ancestor came to Indonesia 4th generation ago. I dont know wether you know it or not ... but during President Soeharto ... chinese in Indonesia not allow their self identity. All chinese who migrate to Indonesia have to choose an Indonesian name, not allow to speak mandarin in the public, or celebrate any chinese festival. Every chinese in Indonesia must obtain this special paperwork call SBKRI (Surat Bukti Kewarganegaraam Republic Indonesia) which is means proof of Indonesian citizenship. Without this you wont be able to apply for passport, which is means you cant leave the country.

So to cut long story short ... i am chinese by race and Indonesian by nationality :D