Sylheti family words: Nanu, Dada, Mama, Khala and Shurubaf

Sylheti kinship is denser than English. English has “uncle”. Sylheti tells you which side of the family, and often whether the person is older. Diaspora kids feel this gap at biya (weddings) and at Eid, when a room full of relatives expects the right word.

Titles vary by village and by household. Use this as a starter map, then lock in your family’s version. The Learn Syloti kinship lessons exist because generic Bengali lists are not enough.

Grandparents

Word	Common meaning	Note
Nanu	Maternal grandmother	A key word in the app’s own story: speak with your Nanu.
Nana	Maternal grandfather	Often paired with Nanu.
Dadi	Paternal grandmother	Used in the grandparents dialogue.
Dada	Paternal grandfather	In the app: Dada/Dadi, afne bala aso ni?

Parents, uncles and aunts

Word	Common meaning	Note
Abba / Amma	Dad / Mum	Used when sending salam from your parents.
Mama	Maternal uncle	Amma’s brother.
Khala	Maternal aunt	Amma’s sister.
Chacha	Paternal uncle	Abba’s brother — confirm locally.
Fupu	Paternal aunt	Abba’s sister in many homes.

In-laws

The App Store description of Learn Syloti mentions speaking with your Shurubaf (father-in-law). In-law language is where adult learners freeze, because the respect level jumps. Learn those titles before the next family wedding, not during it.

How to practise titles

1. Write a family tree and label it in Sylheti.
2. Say each title aloud with afne bala aso ni?
3. Check one relative per week with a parent: “Do we say Khala or something else for her?”

Then put the tree into conversation using the grandparents guide. Flashcards help, but using the word in a real salaam is what makes it stick.

Wedding and gathering words

A Sylheti biya is where titles multiply. You will meet people you last saw as a child, now with spouses and children. Learn three extra habits:

• Ask your parent, quietly, “What do I call them?” before you walk over.
• Use the title plus salaam, then a health question. Names alone can feel abrupt with elders.
• If you have children with you, prompt them: “Say salaam to Khala.” That is how the next generation gets the map.

Learn Syloti’s wedding and festive category covers celebration vocabulary so you are not silent in the loudest room of the year.

Common mix-ups

• Using first names for elders because English homes do that. Add the title.
• Copying tui upward because an elder used it with you. Respect does not mirror.
• Assuming Indian Hindi/Urdu titles (like a generic “uncle”) match Sylheti. Sometimes they overlap; often they do not.

If you only study one list this month, make it kinship. Phrases change with mood. Titles follow you into every room.

Frequently asked questions

What does Nanu mean in Sylheti?

Nanu is widely used for maternal grandmother. Confirm with your parents — some houses use other titles.

What is Shurubaf?

In the Learn Syloti app, Shurubaf is used for father-in-law. In-law terms vary; learn the one your marriage household uses.

Is Dada grandfather or brother?

In many Sylheti/Bengali families Dada is paternal grandfather (and Dadi grandmother). In some other South Asian usage dada can mean older brother. Follow your family’s meaning.

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