In English, we have relatively few words for family members, and many are not distinguished by gender. For example, we have “aunt” and “uncle” but only “cousin,” no specific words for male cousin and female cousin. Other languages, however, have many more words for specific family members. Hindi, for example, has specific words for your father’s younger brother, your father’s elder brother, your father’s sister’s husband, your mother’s brother, and your mother’s sister’s husband--all of which are simply “uncles” in English. Analyze the relationship between culture and language using this example.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Culture affects verbal symbols, and verbal symbols in turn influence culture. The large number of Hindi words for relatives likely reflects the importance of differentiating among them. It may mean that the difference between whether your uncle is your father’s younger brother or elder brother has an effect on your relationship with him and how you should address him. In English, however, relationships with relatives are not strongly emphasized. It is not culturally important whether the uncle you’re talking to is your father’s brother or your sister’s brother, or even related to you by blood.