Knowing the Chinese Family Tree

Those of us who live in the West, or tend to use generic names, this video reminds us about how the Chinese give each family relation a specific name or title. Come to think of it, even though in some way it is complicated, it gives the family an added gist of affirmation for who they are and where they are in the family. Just knowing the name automatically identifies us where we are. For example, in English, when we use the word "brother," how do we know whether it is an elder brother, younger brother, an in-law, or a brother of another family member? This is where the Chinese family tree shines with pride. Watch the video below.

Here is the Cantonese version.



Complicated? Not really. If we do not know where we are in the family, that's even more complicated.

conrade