Is anyone Chinese? I have a question.

[Metta]

We're having lunch with a Chinese couple tomorrow. The woman and my wife are really close. Her (the woman's) father will be joining us. Is it complimentary for me to address him as uncle? Old uncle? Is it okay for me to address the couple as brother and sister?

[philosophie_en_rose]

1. you should wait until he offers.

I think that you should address him as you would anyone's father. Then, if he wants you to call him uncle, you can decide whether you want to do that.

I think addressing him as uncle or (especially) old uncle, is a little presumptious for strangers - no matter how well they know your daughter.

[Metta]

2. Thanks.

I've met him a couple of times and have had dinner with them twice before. However, I'll lay back, as you suggest. I want to show respect and to honor my wife and the other woman's friendship. I really don't want to create an awkward situation.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. If you're not speaking Chinese, just use your customary etiquette

From what I've observed on bi-national situations in Japan, you follow the etiquette of the language you're speaking.

Just call the woman's father Mr. Chang or whatever his family name is, unless directed otherwise.

[Metta]

4. Thanks. Makes sense.

His name happens to be Chang, btw. :thumbsup: