Have you ever had trouble explaining how you are related to a relative outside of your immediate family? If you're like the average person, you probably just throw your hands up in the air and go for the safe "Well, Joey's just my uncle...sort of...I guess." But hold on there for a moment. Joey may or may not be your uncle. He could be your 1st cousin, once removed. Or perhaps he is neither. My grandfather Cleve Bayne had a sister (Mary Barclay Bayne) who was eighteen years his senior. Mary's son Benny Peak was born about a year before Grandpa Bayne. Technically Benny was Cleve's nephew. As it turns out, Benny Peak is my 1st cousin, once removed.
To help you sort through all the uncertainty, here is a nifty chart that offers some clarity. Or at least it is the clearest visual guide I have seen. Think of a family member that is closest to you, and then use the chart to work your way out to other relatives.
To help you sort through all the uncertainty, here is a nifty chart that offers some clarity. Or at least it is the clearest visual guide I have seen. Think of a family member that is closest to you, and then use the chart to work your way out to other relatives.
Once you've gotten the accurate title for your family member, then go on calling him Uncle Joey if that is more agreeable between the two of you.
And if you think this is challenging, you should see how it's done among Chinese family members in the Mandarin language.
And if you think this is challenging, you should see how it's done among Chinese family members in the Mandarin language.