ABSTRACT
In Chinese culture, it is common to use the terms shEshu uncle and Ayí aunt as friendly, informal ways to address men and women unrelated to you who are about the same age as your parents. The terms are usually used among close acquaintances, and they are also used as a friendly way to address strangers whose status is equal to or lower than your own. Since Mr. and Mrs. Xie’s son is the roommate and friend of Xiao Zhang, it is appropriate for Xiao Zhang to address Mr. and Mrs. Xie as shEshu uncle and Ayí aunt.
