Families and Communities in China

Families and Communities in China: AP Chinese Study Guide

Hello, aspiring sinologists! If you think understanding Chinese family structures is a walk in the park—it's more like trekking the Great Wall! But don’t worry, with a touch of humor and a sprinkle of cultural nuggets, you're about to ace the world of Chinese families! Let's dive into the bustling and dynamic world of Chinese families and communities, where family is like WiFi—you don't realize how much you need it until it goes down.

Traditionally, family (家庭—jiā tíng) is the cornerstone of Chinese society. Imagine it like the Avengers, but with more tea and fewer spandex suits. Family life revolves around respect, roles, and responsibilities, which sometimes seem as complex as quantum physics but can be quite fascinating once you lay them out.

To start with the basics, children call their mother 妈妈 (mā ma) and their father 爸爸 (bà ba). These terms are as ubiquitous in Chinese households as chopsticks and kung pao chicken. Historically, formal terms like 母亲 (mǔ qīn) for mother and 父亲 (fù qīn) for father are also used, especially in formal settings, and when you're trying to sound extra respectful or are writing an essay.

Immediate Family Vocabulary

• Mom—妈妈 (mā ma) or 母亲 (mǔ qīn)
• Dad—爸爸 (bà ba) or 父亲 (fù qīn)
• Wife—老婆 (lǎo pó) or 妻子 (qī zi)
• Husband—老公 (lǎo gōng) or 丈夫 (zhàng fu)
• Older Sister—姐姐 (jiě jie)
• Older Brother—哥哥 (gē ge)
• Younger Sister—妹妹 (mèi mei)
• Younger Brother—弟弟 (dì di)
• Daughter—女儿 (nǚ ér)
• Son—儿子 (ér zi)

Extended Family Vocabulary

• Grandparents

  • Maternal Grandmother—外婆 (wài pó) or 姥姥 (lǎo lao)
  • Paternal Grandmother—奶奶 (nǎi nai)
  • Maternal Grandfather—外公 (wài gōng) or 姥爷 (lǎo ye)
  • Paternal Grandfather—爷爷 (yé ye)

• Aunts & Uncles

  • Mom's Brother—舅舅 (jiù jiu)
  • Dad's Older Brother—伯伯 (bó bo)
  • Dad's Younger Brother—叔叔 (shū shu)
  • Dad's Sister's Husband—姑父 (gū fu)
  • Mom's Older Sister—姨妈 (yí mā)
  • Mom's Younger Sister—阿姨 (ā yí)
  • Mom's Brother's Wife—舅母 (jiù mǔ)
  • Dad's Older Sister—姑妈 (gū mā)
  • Dad's Younger Sister—姑姑 (gū gu)
  • Dad's Older Brother's Wife—伯母 (bó mǔ)
  • Dad's Younger Brother's Wife—婶婶 (shěn shen)

• Cousins

  • Dad's Brother's Son (older than you) (same last name)—堂哥 (táng gē)
  • Dad's Brother's Son (younger than you) (same last name)—堂弟 (táng dì)
  • Dad's Brother's Daughter (older than you) (same last name)—堂姐 (táng jiě)
  • Dad's Brother's Daughter (younger than you) (same last name)—堂妹 (táng mèi)
  • Dad's Sister's or Mom's Sibling's Son (older than you) (different last name)—表哥 (biǎo gē)
  • Dad's Sister's or Mom's Sibling's Son (younger than you) (different last name)—表弟 (biǎo dì)
  • Dad's Sister's or Mom's Sibling's Daughter (older than you) (different last name)—表姐 (biǎo jiě)
  • Dad's Sister's or Mom's Sibling's Daughter (younger than you) (different last name)—表妹 (biǎo mèi)

• Nephews & Nieces

  • Sister's daughter—外甥女 (wài shēng nǚ)
  • Brother's daughter—侄女 (zhí nǚ)
  • Sister's son—外甥 (wài shēng)
  • Brother's son—侄子 (zhí zi)

• In-Laws

  • Wife's mother—岳母 (yuè mǔ)
  • Husband's mother—婆婆 (pó po)
  • Wife's father—岳父 (yuè fù)
  • Husband's father—公公 (gōng gong)
  • Older Sister's Husband—姐夫 (jiě fū)
  • Older Brother’s Wife—嫂子 (sǎo zi)
  • Younger Sister’s Husband—妹夫 (mèi fū)
  • Younger Brother's Wife—弟妇 (dì fù)
  • Daughter-in-Law—儿媳妇 (ér xí fù)
  • Son-in-Law—女婿 (nǚ xù)

• Grandchildren

  • Granddaughter (through your son)—孙女 (sūn nǚ)
  • Granddaughter (through your daughter)—外孙女 (wài sūn nǚ)
  • Grandson (through your son)—孙子 (sūn zi)
  • Grandson (through your daughter)—外孙子 (wài sūn zi)

Remember, you don’t have to memorize every single term—unless you're planning to marry into a huge Chinese family without a cheat sheet! 📜 But having a good grasp of immediate family terms is a solid foundation.

Traditionally, Chinese society is like a complex, multi-layered cake where each layer represents a level of responsibility and respect. 💂‍♂️👵👴

In the past, once a woman got married, she became part of her husband's family, hence the term 外 (wài), meaning "outside," to describe her relatives. This isn’t suggesting they lived in tents or anything, but symbolically they were seen as distinct from the husband’s core family unit.

Chinese societies are traditionally patriarchal. The male head of the family—usually the oldest male—is like the CEO of a small company, making all significant decisions. The father typically serves as the breadwinner, while the mother's role was often centered around managing the household and raising children.

The eldest son is expected to be the deputy CEO, a.k.a., the guy who carries the family name forward and takes care of the parents in their old age. The eldest daughter can also have significant responsibilities, especially if there is no son.

Of course, times are changing faster than a runaway Shanghai Maglev train. 🚄 Today, the traditional family structure has evolved. Women now play active roles in the workforce, and many modern Chinese families strive for equality and shared responsibilities. However, the essence of filial piety and strong family ties remains steadfast.

Three generations often live under one roof, ensuring that the wisdom of grandparents influences the youngest. It's like having Google with you 24/7, but in the form of your wise old granny.

Chinese families emphasize social customs, traditions, and values like they emphasize the newest phone models—they’re widely appreciated and integral to life. Here are several key aspects:

• Filial Piety (孝顺 xiào shùn): The superstar of traditional values. Respecting and taking care of elders isn’t just encouraged—it’s a moral obligation that’s as binding as a social media contract.
• Respect for Authority: Hierarchy isn’t just for making pyramids. Elders and authorities command respect due to their wisdom and experience. Imagine a giant wisdom totem pole that everyone respects.
• Harmony (和谐 hé xié): Think of conflict resolution as a game of Tetris—everything fits perfectly if you maneuver it just right. Maintaining social harmony is crucial.
• Hard Work: Tirelessness and diligence are highly valued. Success is measured by how hard you're willing to work. No sweat, no glory! 💪
• Loyalty: Loyalty to family, friends, and community is like joining the ultimate fan club that never disbands.
• Education: Education is seen as the golden ticket to better opportunities. It’s like having the best WiFi connection—essential and highly coveted.
• Traditional Festivals: Celebrations like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival are family reunion time—think Thanksgiving, but with mooncakes and red envelopes.
• Respect for Tradition: Honoring and maintaining traditional customs and values holds great importance. It’s like keeping a classic car in mint condition—valued and prestigious.

So, there you have it! Chinese families and communities are intricately woven tapestries of respect, tradition, and evolving modernity. Understanding the importance of family in Chinese culture will not only help you ace your AP Chinese exam but also give you rich insights into a culture that values connections as much as Confucius valued wisdom.

Remember, while independence is the name of the game in the West, in China, family unity and interdependence reign supreme. Now go forth, young grasshoppers, with your newfound wisdom, and may your studies be as harmonious as a well-played guqin. 🎶

• Family—家庭 (jiā tíng)
• House—屋子 (wū zi) or 房子 (fáng zi)
• Patriarchal—父权制 (fù quán zhì)
• Patrilineal—父系的 (fù xì de)
• Traditional—传统 (chuán tǒng)
• Modern—现代 (xiàn dài)
• Western Style—洋气 (yáng qì)
• City—城市 (chéng shì)
• Countryside/Rural—乡下 (xiāng xià) or 农村 (nóng cūn)
• Marry—结婚 (jié hūn)
• Divorce—离婚 (lí hūn)
• Single Mother—单身妈妈 (dān shēn mā ma) / 单亲妈妈 (dān qīn mā ma)
• Single Father—单身爸爸 (dān shēn bà ba) / 单亲爸爸 (dān qīn bà ba)
• Filial Piety—孝顺 (xiào shùn)
• Respect—尊重 (zūn zhòng)