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Findingmyway Ji and Aristotle ji, excellent examples.


Native English-speakers tend to use formal language when referring to "God" as a sign of respect.  It reinforces the God On High and puny human below perception most English-speakers have of religion.  I think the language probably reinforces that.  English has two modes of address (as I understand it), and that is formal and casual.  It doesn't really have an intimate form of address which could be used for talking about the relationship oneself has with God.


Aristotle:  Perhaps the lack of terms has contributed to the breakdown of the family structure in the West?  Of perhaps the language is reflecting the state of affairs - aunties and uncles don't really seem to matter in Western culture anymore, let alone which side of the family they're on.


Perhaps it's more important to identify them in cultures where you can't be seen without a head-covering in front of your husband's uncle's (on his mother's side) son, etc?


That Bryson book Findingmyway ji recommended sounds really interesting!


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