1. The Joy Luck Club

2. 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.

3. Chinese culture & expressions
Auntie
Not real aunt.
Close friend of the family.
“Aii-ya!”
Aii-ya, what a pity. A lifetime of waiting.

4. Kweilin

5. mah jong
Chinese game

6. intention
purpose, goal

7. worth
value

8. sorrow
sadness

9. fortune
treasure, luck

10. invasion
to attack

11. relation(s)
connection

12. misery
sadness

13. ignorant
unknowing

14. scar
mark on skin

15. forbidden
not allowed

16. disobedient
bad behavior

17. respect
honor, appreciate

18. ancestor
Past family member

19. concubine
unmarried woman with married man

20. betray
trick, lie

21. scold
to get angry