The Joy Luck Club
Note on the Language
 “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.
Chinese culture & expressions
 Auntie
Not real aunt.
Close friend of the family.
 “Aii-ya!”
Aii-ya, what a pity. A lifetime of waiting.
Kweilin
mah jong
 Chinese game
intention
 purpose, goal
worth
 value
sorrow
 sadness
fortune
 treasure, luck
invasion
 to attack
relation(s)
 connection
misery
 sadness
ignorant
 unknowing
scar
 mark on skin
forbidden
 not allowed
disobedient
 bad behavior
respect
 honor, appreciate
ancestor
 Past family member
concubine
 unmarried woman with married man
betray
 trick, lie
scold
 to get angry