Chapter 5.1: Kinship Terms in Bangla

Bengalis have specific names for their relatives. In English an aunt can be someone’s father’s sister, mother’s sister, father’s brother’s wife, or mother’s brother’s wife. However, these individuals are each addressed differently in Bangla. Cousins are considered to be “brother” or “sister” in Bengali culture. If someone has three brothers or sisters then their relation names will be বড়ো, মেজো, and ছোটো respectively. Hindus and Muslims use different terminology for many relatives. Some of the most used, standard kinship terms are given here. People use various non-standard kinship terms affectionately, which are not included here.

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