RE: Elias, and 7 different words for Aunty in Chinese
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In Thai, it is also so confusing as the words for Auntie and uncle are also dependant upon the relationship.
Added to this is the fact that many people use Chinese for relatives, Gung gung is used by many for grandad BUT they mix the Thai words, many of which are based on Mandarin or Cantonese and it also depends , not just on the side of the family but which side of the family has the Chinese heritage......its completely mind-blowing and they wonder why after 10 years here, I still can't speak Thai!
In all seriousness, Asians are master linguists. I was amazed when I was travelling that most people in ASia spoke a national language as well as a regional language and then English on top!
In Thai, the regional languages are dying out. My wife is from down south and she can barely understand her Grandma....or her parents when they are going off on one!
Great post, and I will bid you jo-tau as I cuddle up to my toilet rolls in readiness..... ;-)