The Joy Luck Club

“The mothers in this story speak a variety of English that uses nonstandard forms”(for example, omitting articles or auxiliary verbs.)

“I think your mother die with important thought on her mind,” she says in broken English.

Note on the Language

Auntie Not real aunt. Close friend of the family.

“Aii-ya!”Aii-ya, what a pity. A lifetime of waiting.

Chinese culture & expressions

Kweilin

Chinese game

mah jong

purpose, goal

intention

value

worth

sadness

sorrow

treasure, luck

fortune

to attack

invasion

connection

relation(s)

sadness

misery

unknowing

ignorant

mark on skin

scar

not allowed

forbidden

bad behavior

disobedient

honor, appreciate

respect

Past family member

ancestor

unmarried woman with married man

concubine

trick, lie

betray

to get angry

scold