What Is Your Title In The Family?
As you know, it's common for some to call themselves by their names when talking to someone which I find weird and unnecessary.
Then I realized that there are situations when I do it too.
Such as talking to children in order to teach and make them remember the title that they should use when they address me.
And when it comes to the Chinese titles, it's not only tongue twisting - it is also CONFUSING!
When the 5 cousins in our household gathered to play, I had to get used to switching back and forth between addressing myself as "Mama" to my kids, "Pek Mu" (Hokkien for father's older brother's wife) to one nephew and "Q Mei" (Hakka for mother's brother's wife) to another nephew and niece!
There is no one word for "Aunt" which can be used by members from all sides of the family. Of course I could take the easy way out and excuse myself since I'm not a Chinese - but I don't mind.
I think its a good tradition because it's easy to know the relationship between family members. There is a proper title for every member based on which side of the family they are from in all the different Chinese dialects!
I must check with my parents if Kadazandusun have more specific titles besides the common "Mamai" for uncle and "Babu" for aunt.
By the way : If you have problems with zits, you can check out this type of acne treatment.
Then I realized that there are situations when I do it too.
Such as talking to children in order to teach and make them remember the title that they should use when they address me.
And when it comes to the Chinese titles, it's not only tongue twisting - it is also CONFUSING!
When the 5 cousins in our household gathered to play, I had to get used to switching back and forth between addressing myself as "Mama" to my kids, "Pek Mu" (Hokkien for father's older brother's wife) to one nephew and "Q Mei" (Hakka for mother's brother's wife) to another nephew and niece!
There is no one word for "Aunt" which can be used by members from all sides of the family. Of course I could take the easy way out and excuse myself since I'm not a Chinese - but I don't mind.
I think its a good tradition because it's easy to know the relationship between family members. There is a proper title for every member based on which side of the family they are from in all the different Chinese dialects!
I must check with my parents if Kadazandusun have more specific titles besides the common "Mamai" for uncle and "Babu" for aunt.
By the way : If you have problems with zits, you can check out this type of acne treatment.
Yeah
Chinese has an elaborate system for such names (Comment this)
Of course, its way easier for some other race because its either auntie or uncle, cousins, niece and nephew.
Where as in Chinese, auntie can be either yi-yi (mum's side) or ku-ku (dad's side). Straight away we all know from which side liao. (Comment this)
Nonnie : That's why I insist that my kids learn all the proper titles even though my in law did suggest that they simply use "Auntie" and "Uncle".
It is confusing for me because I don't speak the language and the words and meanings do not come automatically - but I think I'm not doing too bad either :-) (Comment this)