What is a Family?
The family is the fundamental unit of society. While every family is unique, they generally fall into two broad categories in Indian society today.
Types of Families
-
Joint Family:
- Consists of several generations living together.
- Members: Grandparents, parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and cousins.
- Characteristics: Shared resources, collective decision-making, and close bonding across generations.
-
Nuclear Family:
- A smaller unit.
- Members: Limited to a couple and their children (or sometimes a single parent and children).
- Characteristics: Often seen in cities or where jobs require moving away from the ancestral home.
Kinship Terms (Language Connection)
In English, family terms are often general (e.g., “Uncle” or “Cousin”). However, Indian languages have very specific terms that define the exact relationship.
Note
Did You Know? Most Indian languages do not have a word for “Cousin”. Cousins are referred to as brothers and sisters, emphasising the deep bond between them.
Examples in Hindi:
| Name | Relationship | Term in Hindi |
|---|---|---|
| Bua | Father’s sister | बुआ |
| Chacha | Father’s younger brother | चाचा |
| Mama | Mother’s brother | मामा |
| Nana/Nani | Maternal Grandparents | नाना / नानी |
This linguistic specificity reflects the importance of extended family relationships in Indian culture.