African family knowledge centre

English says uncle for many different relatives. Many African languages are more exact: the word tells you which side of the family someone is on, and often whether they are older or younger than your parent. In Sesotho, your father's elder brother is Ntate Moholoho and his younger brother is Rangwane, while your mother's brother, older or younger, is Malome. Your father's sister is Rakgadi; your mother's elder sister is Mamogolo and her younger sister is Mangwane. These words carry duties and respect as well as family position, so a family tree in English alone loses something. See the relation words page, and help add the words in your own language.