Why ?

[love-you-mom]

Why in English both Dad's brother and Mom's brother called uncle
and the same with cousin , aunt , etc.
And How can we distinguish between them?

Thumbs up for the complete and clear answer!

 

[Gillnetter]

Why in English are both dad's brother and mom's brother called uncle
and the same with cousin , aunt , etc.?
And How can we distinguish between them?

Thumbs up for the complete and clear answer!

I doubt if there is any one complete answer. The best answer is that is the way it is. Someone has to explain the relationship - This is my uncle Joe, he is my mother's brother.

 

[5jj]

Why in English both Dad's brother and Mom's brother called uncle
and the same with cousin , aunt , etc.
And How can we distinguish between them?

These family distinctions are not particularly important in British or American culture. That's why we have no special words for them in everyday language.

For the same reason we do not have a natural question in English to ask "[STRIKE]Paul is your how manieth brother?[/STRIKE]". We don't have the question because we don't feel the need to ask it.

 

[love-you-mom]

Thank you so much.


Both of your answers are complete for me, thanks again.