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Kamran Rahman
I'm from an Indian/Pakistani family. Auntie/Uncle conveys respect, affection and relationship at the same time. In South Asian culture people are rarely referred to by their names in social situations, especially if they're older than you. It would be considered rude if you didn't add some sort of term of respect or affection to the way you address someone. So, Auntie/Uncle says that you respect the person as a member of an elder generation and that you love them almost as much as a member of your family.
John Seers
Like in the UK, a person close to a family might be called Uncle by the children - even though there is no blood relationship.
I think it is a bit more formal in India and conveys a measure of respect for the adult.
Uncle is also used for men in India in the same way.
I think it is a bit more formal in India and conveys a measure of respect for the adult.
Uncle is also used for men in India in the same way.
Lana Burk
This seems to be a common thread throughout many cultures, more so than we all thought!
This is also popular in Hawaiian culture, as I've been brought up in. Calling "Aunty" and "Uncle" to older men and women (relative or not) is a sign of respect in Hawaiian culture, as well.
This is also popular in Hawaiian culture, as I've been brought up in. Calling "Aunty" and "Uncle" to older men and women (relative or not) is a sign of respect in Hawaiian culture, as well.
Alexandra
In Russia, any woman or man older than one self can be addressed as "aunt" or "uncle". Just a colloquial polite form, used primarily by young people or children. We also call our cousins "sisters and brothers", short for the literal meaning of a cousin - "second born brother/sister". I find it same in many cultures.
Trent Shepherd
In Aboriginal culture and family in Australia the concept of a family is more extended. I found reading the reference in the book of a very similar nature where it was a title of respect in family extending to community .
Diana Sandberg
I grew up in a middle class American family and I also was taught to address adult friends of the family as "Aunt" and "Uncle". Not all of them, but the ones who were close friends we saw frequently.
Lakshya Kaushik
Every women of certain age is automatically an auntie, in India.
Elizabeth
Thank you for your answer. Now I know!
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Feb 11, 2017 03:29AM · flag