Family

a. Autobiography (personal info: date and place of birth, marital status, important events in my life)
b. Family members (appearance, character, hobbies)
c. Family relationships (siblings, parents and children, grandparents, helping, chores, everyday life,
celebrations)
d. My future family (partner, job, life...)
e. Family and the society (the function of families, types of families, family in the past and nowadays,
generation gap, single parent families, divorce, childlessness)

a. Autobiography
My name is Krisztina Csibrányi, Kriszta for short. I live in Vrakúň, in a village, not far from Dunajská
Streda. I live with my family in a detached house. We have a big courtyard and a garden, too. I love
living here.

I was born on 10th May 1997 in Dunajská Streda. My mother spent three years at home with me, and
then I started to go to the kindergarten. Like every child, I really loved to visit the kindergarten,
because of the whole the day playing, singing and drawing. At the age of 6 I began the elementary
school in Vrakúň. I learned hard and very well in the primary school but besides that I made friends,
joined a lot of competitions, took part in excursions. In the ninth year I had to choose a profession.
My parents and teachers helped me with the choice. I had such good marks, and didn’t want to study
a profession, that’s why I chose the grammar school. Now I’m a student in the private grammar
school in Dunajská Streda. In my opinion I have a nice class and strict / demanding but helpful
teachers.

Among my nearest plans is the successful graduation. After the school leaving exam I would be very
happy to attend the University of Economics in Bratislava. In the following years I would like to work
as an English-German interpreter, travel, to know new people, cultures, traditions.

I think I look like an ordinary girl. I have brown, curly hair, brown eyes. I’m not extremely tall, but not
little either. I have some positive but some negative qualities, too. As my family and friends say I’m
reliable, helpful, logical, and sympathetic. But I realize my negative traits: I am naive, self-distrusted,
sometimes hysterical and oversensitive. I am interested in arts, music, and culture. In my spare time
I like to read, listen to music, walk outside and meet my friends.

My family and my friends play a huge role in my life. I think, family is the most important thing on the
world and I couldn’t imagine my life without my loved ones.

b. Family members
I live with my family, which consists of my mother, father, brother and me. This is my nuclear family.
My mother’s name is Mária Csibrányi. Her maiden name is Nagy. She’s 42 years old. Her eyes are
green, her hair is medium length, brown and she’s a bit shorter, than me. She is very caring, fond
mother, and wife. I can always rely on her, tell her everything. She is interested in literature,
languages, and arts. In her free time she is fain to read, cook and be outside.

My father’s name is Mihály Csibrányi. He is 41 years old. He has brown eyes and brown hair, like me.
He’s tall and well-built, because in his job he needs a lot of power. He is self-confident, and has his
own beliefs. He can solve all the problems and difficult situations. My dad is a friendly man with a
good sense of humour. He is interested in sports, cars and gadgeteering.

I have a brother, he’s name is Balázs. He is 3 years younger than me. He has brown eyes and brown
hair. He’s extremely tall and slim. He attends the primary school in Vrakúň. He doesn’t really like
learning, all the more playing on computer. I’m happy that I have a sibling, because we stick together
and I would be bored without him.

c. Family relationships
Having good family relationship is one of the most important things in one’s life. We should be
grateful for having people around us who care for us and support us when we need it. I’m in a close
relationship with my mother. I can tell her everything; we have similar opinions of the things. But I
often have rows with my brother. I think it’s because we are so different. Fortunately, we can solve
these arguments fast.

Family life is different all around the world. In our country many families get together on special
occasions and family celebrations, such as weddings, graduation ceremonies, birthdays, christenings
and funerals. A family gathering is an important social occasion, and most people love going to such
an event because they can see their whole family and also have the chance to talk to relatives who
live, for example, in a different part of the country. Our family celebrate the birthdays and names
days together. On Christmas Day there is a family gathering, we meet our relatives and we eat and
celebrate together. At weekends we often go to visit our relatives.

Being a member of a family and living together in one household means sharing duties, such as
cleaning, doing the washing up, working in the garden and taking out the rubbish. If the household
chores are not divided equally among the family members, relationship within that family may get
worse and result in arguments. In our family my mother does the cooking, cleaning, I often help her
with the hoovering, the washing up, and the mopping the floor. My dad repairs all the broken things
in our house and works in the courtyard and in the garden. My brother has to keep his room clear
and at the weekends he cuts the grass.

d. My future family
As I see it, I have a convergent family. When anyone in the family has problems, he/she can ask help
from the family members. I hope, one day I will have a normal, faithful husband, who I can live in
love and peace with. I’d like to have children, too. I woul be glad, if I had an older son and a younger
daughter. We’d live in a village, close to a city. We will live in a detached house with big courtyard
and we will have a dog and a cat, too. I know, to reach this dream I must learn hard to have a good
job, that my future family will not have to live in poverty.

e. Family and the society

The role of the family is that it supports us when we need it. Our relatives are with us at all the
important moments of our lives. It is with our families and in our homes where we learn all the skills
that we need for life; how to get on with people, be tolerant, self-disciplined, polite and helpful. We
learn how to communicate, how to be understanding and how to deal with difficult situations
through our discussions with people who we live with and are close to us.

In the past people had big families. Only the father had a job, the mother did the housework and
raised the children at home. The father was the breadwinner and made the decisions. The mother
was the housewife, but it was not an easy thing. The children had to obey their parents and had to
respect older people. People had a lot of children. Different generations lived together. The
grandparents were also role models for the children. In the past marriage and family was very
important.

Today people have small families. Both the father and the mother work because they need to earn
money. Parents discuss their problems and make the decisions together. Today’s children are very
self-confident and sometimes even cheeky. Grandparents live in separate houses and often feel
lonely. Today marriage and family seem to be less important. Lots of people co-habit instead of
getting married, but this does not mean they do not love each other. Divorce is more and more
common, but many people remarry. But there are many single-parent families nowadays. Raising
children alone is hard, but one parent can also give much affection to children.

In today’s world it is almost unimaginable to have 3 or even 4 generations living under the same roof.
A century ago it was normal to do so but not anymore. I think everybody needs some privacy and it
cannot be achieved if the older ones always think that they know everything better. The elderly are
always full of advice. They don’t want to realize that the world has changed, and there are different
problems to solve nowadays. The youngers are often not tolerant to the older generation, because
they see the world from another side.

The grandparents’ role in the 21st century changed thoroughly. With the passing of the time
grandparents feel themselves unnecessary and they are competing for their grandchildren’s
affection. This is one of the reasons why intergenerational programs have been established. These
programs provide interaction among generational age groups, usually between older adults and
younger persons. These programs include activities for the older and younger generations at the
same time. For example the children and older people participate in programs together.

Benefits of Intergenerational Programs: children will learn that older people are active parts of our
society, the stereotypes of old age disappear when children spend some time with pensioners. The
older generation no longer feels as if they were neglected and unnecessary.
In conclusion, we cannot say which type of the family is the best. In my opinion it doesn’t depend on
the number of the parents. The most important is the love in the family.

Summary of basic family types:

The nuclear family is the traditional type of family structure. This family type consists of mother,
father and children, so two generations live under one roof.

The extended family structure consists of two or more adults who are related, either by blood or
marriage, living in the same home. This family includes many relatives living together. Many
extended families include cousins, aunts or uncles and grandparents living together.

The single parent family consists of one parent raising one or more children on his own. Often, a
single parent family is a mother with her children, although there are single fathers as well.

Over half of all marriages end in divorce, and many of these individuals choose to get remarried. This
creates the stepfamily, which involves two separate families merging into one new unit. It consists of
a new husband and wife and their children from previous marriages or relationships.
Words
Some family members / relatives / distant sweep the floor with the broom – felseperni
relatives (családtagok / rokonok / távoli vacuum the carpet with a vacuum cleaner (hoover) –
felporszívózni
rokonok):
polish with a cloth – letörölni a port
sibling – testvér
dust with a cloth – leporolni
parent – szülők
take out the rubbish – kivinni a szemetet
grandparent - nagyszülő
wash with a damp cloth – nedves ruhával mosni
great-grandparent – dédnagyszülő
wash up the dishes – elmosogatni
parents- in-law – házasodással szerzett szülők
hang the clothes on the washing line – kiteregetni
godparent – keresztszülő
iron – vasalni
step-parent – mostoha
make beds – megvetni az ágyat
foster parent – nevelőszülő
Working in the garden (a kertben dolgozni):
first / second / distant cousin – első / második / távoli
sow seeds – elvetni a magokat
unokatestvér
plant plants (flowers/bushes/trees) – növényeket
nephew – unokaöcs
ültetni
niece – unokahúg
water the plants – megöntözni
daughter-in-law – meny
weed the flowerbeds – gyomlálni
son-in-law – vej
cut the grass – füvet nyírni
aunt – nagynéni
mow the lawn – gyepet kaszálni
uncle – nagybácsi
Other activities:
Family status (családi állapot):
doing the shopping – bevásárolni
single – egyedülálló
picking up children from school – hazahozni a
engaged - eljegyzett
gyerekeket
married - házas
cooking – főzni
divorced – elvált
walking the dog – kutyát sétáltatni
widower – özvegy
feeding pets – megetetni az állatokat
widow – özvegyasszony
fixing broken things – helyrehozni törött dolgokat
single parent – egyedülálló szülő
only child - egyke Family celebrations and gatherings (családi
middle child – középső testvér ünnepek és összejövetelek):
the oldest child – legidősebb testvér birthday - szülinap
orphan – árva christening – keresztelő
adopted child – örökbefogadott gyerek confirmation – bérmálkozás
twins – ikrek graduation – érettségi / diploma
Family structure (család szerkezete): job promotion – előléptetés
nuclear family – kis család wedding - esküvő
extended family – bővebb család feast – lakoma
step family – mostoha család funeral – temetés
single parent family – egyszülős család Describing family members (családtagok
Roles of family and family members (a leírása):
család és családtagok szerepe): Appearance (külső megjelenés):
biological – biológiai attractive – vonzó
economical – gazdasági beautiful – gyönyörű
educative – nevelő handsome – jóképű
emotional – érzelmi good-looking – vonzó (pasi)
protective – védelmező tall(ish) – magas(abb féle)
sociological – társadalmi short(ish) – alacsony(abb féle)
supportive – támogató little – kicsi
Duties and responsibilities (kötelességek és skinny – csontsovány
thin – vékony
felelősségek):
well-built - izmos
Cleaning in the house (takarítás a házban):
large - nagy
mop the floor with the mop – felmosni
plump – teltkarcsú
chubby – pufók to settle down - letelepedni
neat – csinos to set up a family – családot alapítani
Human traits / qualities (emberi tulajdonságok): to become pregnant – teherbe esni
Positive: to expect a child – gyereket várni
friendly - barátságos to deliver a baby – gyereket szülni
reliable – megbízható to bring up children – felnevelni
responsible – felelősségteljes to get divorced – elválni
decent – visszafogott to be separated – szétmenni
modest – szerény to grow old – megöregedni
mature – érett to pass away – meghalni, eltávozni
fun –mókás, viccelődős Weddings (esküvő):
generous – nagylelkű engaged couple – eljegyzett pár
gentle – udvarias engagement ring – eljegyzési gyűrű
open-minded – nyitott gondolkodású wedding ceremony – templomi szertartás
faithful – hűséges wedding reception – lagzi
trustworthy – szavahihető town hall – városháza
sympathetic – megértő mayor – polgármester
with good sense of humour – jó humorú church - templom
extraordinary – átlagon felüli képességű priest – pap
jealous – féltékeny bride - menyasszony
sincere – őszinte groom – vőlegény
honest – őszinte, becsületes spouse – házastárs
Negative: best man – vőfély
mean – zsugori bridesmaid - koszorúslány
malicious – rosszindulatú maid of honour – tanú nő
selfish – önző wedding dress – esküvői ruha
rude – bunkó tuxedo – szmoking
impolite – udvariatlan bouquet – csokor
aggressive – agresszív honeymoon - nászút
offensive – támadó Problems in families (problémák a
greedy – kapzsi
családban):
annoying – idegesítő
lack of trust – bizalomhiány
hysterical - hisztis
money matters – pénzügyi gondok
reluctant – vonakodó
generation gap – generációs különbségek
disobedient – engedetlen
living with relatives – rokonokkal együtt élni
stubborn – makacs
career - karrier
cheeky – huncut
gambling – játékfüggőség
Life cycle (életciklus): unemployment – munkanélküliség
to be born – megszületni early pregnancy – korai terhesség
to make friends – barátkozni physical and mental abuse – erőszak
to date sb. – randizni
addiction to alcohol/ drugs – alkohol/ drogfüggőség
to get on with sb. – kijönni vlkivel
Other:
to fall in love – szerelembe esni
abandoned – elhagyott
to propose – megkérni a kezét
gathering – találkozás, összejövetel
to get engaged – eljegyezni
prejudice – előítélet
to cohabit – együtt élni
spinster – vénlány
to marry – elvenni feleségül
bachelor – agglegény
to get married to – hozzámenni vlkihez
tied down – lekötve
Questions to think about:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an only child?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the: nuclear family, extended family?
3. How does modern society influence family?
4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of an international marriage?
5. What problems do old people face and how can we help them?
6. What are some changes in the relationships between family members in the past 100 years?

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an only child?

An only child is a person who has no siblings. Some children feel good without siblings; others wish they had a
brother or sister. Being an only child has many advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that
parents are much more focused on raising their child. The child is at the centre of their attention and forms a
strong relationship with the parents. Moreover, parents do not have to spend money on any other
children, and so the child gets a larger share of the family income. Additionally, an only child does not have to
share a room or a computer or other things. The child can do whatever he wants, anytime he wants, and no
one disturbs him. On the other hand, being an only child has disadvantages too. The main is that the child
usually spends much time alone. Their characters become selfish and unsociable, and they might have
problems socializing with the people around them. Another disadvantage is that an only
child is under pressure from their parents. They do not have freedom of choice, or their own plans about the
future. All in all, being an only child has as many advantages as disadvantages. I think the main role is played by
the parents. It depends on them how they will raise their child. I am an only child, but I reckon children should
have siblings to grow up with.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the: nuclear family, extended family?

The nuclear family refers to the parents and their children, whereas the extended family refers to their
relatives, as well - such as grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles and so on. Each kind of family has advantages
and disadvantages. Living in a nuclear family is much more privacy. Another advantage is that people can live
their own way and can do whatever they want to. They can manage their things according to them without
disturbing the lives of other people. In addition, parents need to only spend time on taking care of their
children, but not others. They do not need to spend money on taking care of their parents or grandparents, so
the child gets a larger share of the family income. Living in a nuclear family has disadvantages too. They need
other relatives to rely on. If they have a small child then they have to call a babysitter. Another bad point is
that if there is an argument between the couple, there is no one to support any one of them. Another
disadvantage is the safety. People feel insecure in the nuclear family because this happens often that no one is
at home and it is easier to break into. In an extended family, all the family members support each other. For
example, if anyone needs a financial support or emotional support. In an extended family, the grandparents
can take care of the child. This helps the parents to concentrate on their work. Another good point is that the
work can also be shared. Additionally, they can learn about different points of views, sharing opinions and
having a close relationship with more relatives. On the other hand, it is difficult to live in a family with many
generations under one roof. There is the lack of privacy, and conflicts or fights about the use of the things.
The elders often say younger what should they do and what should not because they think they know the
things better. But everyone knows what is good and bad for him. In conclusion, the two types work differently.
Some people prefer to live in an extended family, while others prefer the intimacy and closeness of a nuclear
family. They have their advantages and disadvantages, but either way, family is very important.

3.How does modern society influence family?

The use of technology has affected in every field of our lives. It has positive and negative effects on the family
as well. Technology helps us in our daily activities. It has had positive effects on the social abilities of today’s
youth. However, some teenagers overuse technology. Some stay on the computer longer than needed. Others
may talk on the telephone for long periods. People spend more time with technology than they spend time
with their own families. Personal greetings and conversations between friends nowadays are not so important.
They prefer to talk on the Internet because they don’t have time for each other, everyone is busy and this is an
easier way to keep the contact. But, sometimes using technology instead of spending time with the people
causes stress and depression. We are spending more time in doors than we are outside. The time spent on the
computer, watching TV waste our time. This time is usually spent alone and not with the rest of the family.
Nowadays most people eat in front of the TV instead of eating together at the table. However the technology
can ease our everyday lives, we should recognize what is the most important. I think that people should spend
much time with their family because the good relationship with them is essential.

4.Benefits and drawbacks of an international marriage?

For international couples the relationship can bring difficulties because of all the differences that they have in
each culture, but have rewarding benefits as well. There are great benefits to marry outside of your culture
such as knowing different cultural customs and values. Another point is that the whole international family
becomes more open-minded. They celebrate holidays from different cultures and enjoy eat another foods.
They know and respect each other’s cultural differences. They can celebrate the traditions of the country they
were born but also add the new traditions. Another point is the religion. They usually decide to practice only
one religion so they often convert. The couples usually decide to educate their children blending their two
cultures. The children grow up learning two or more languages. In an international marriage the couple faces
with many barriers. These relationships face with different cultural values. This can cause argument. The
barriers come from family, friends, personal values, expectations, traditions, male-female roles, finances,
religion and raising children. Additionally, they have to adapt to their new environment. They need to adapt to
the social customs of the people. On the other hand, there is the homesickness. Fortunately, technology can
help to keep the contact with family members. Moreover, they waste a lot of money on travelling if they want
to see their family. Most people think they should remain within their culture when they marry but others think
it would be fascinating to marry someone from a different culture. If you ask me, I prefer to marry in the same
culture.

5.What problems do old people face and how can we help them?

The old age is an integral part of human life. It is the evening of life. The old people need someone to help for
their every work. They become dependent to others largely due to their physical infirmity. They are filled with a
feeling of emotional insecurity. They want someone to take care of their needs and share their feelings. But
nowadays, everybody is short of time. Nobody has enough time for them. Even their own children do not find
time for them. Social security and emotional support are terribly needed. The feeling of loneliness affects their
mental health. They often face with the loss of their spouse and old friends. One of the major problems is the
financial problem. They feel themselves unnecessary. This is one of the reasons why intergenerational
programs have been established. These programs provide interaction among generational age groups, usually
between older adults and younger persons. These programs include activities for the older and younger
generations. The children and older people participate in programs together. In these programs children will
learn that older people are active parts of our society. The older generation do not feels that they are
neglected and unnecessary. The old people face with many problems in our society but with these programs
we can make their life much happier.

6.Changes between family members in the past 100 years?

The relationship between family members changed dramatically in the past 100 years, some in good some in
bad way. In the past, people had big families. Only the father had a job, the mother raised the children at home
and did the housework. Everyone had a job in the house. They did the things by hand because there were no
washing machines, vacuum cleaners and so on. The father was the breadwinner and made the decisions. The
mother was the housewife. The children had to obey their parents and had to respect older people. People had
a lot of children. In the past marriage and family was very important. A lot of family generations lived together
under the same roof or near to each other. Families relied on each other. Today people have small families.
Both the father and the mother work because they need to earn money. Parents discuss their problems and
make the decisions together. Today’s children are very self-confident. Grandparents live in separate houses and
often feel lonely. Today marriage and family seem to be less important. Lots of people cohabit instead of
getting married. Divorce is more and more common, but many people remarry. Technology has made the
household chores easier. Education has improved, so people can get good paid jobs now. There is a big lack of
respect nowadays.

Answer the questions:

What are the main roles of children and parents in a family?
What makes marriage last?
Describe your own family. What are your family traditions?

What are the main roles of children and parents in a family?

In a family everyone has duties. The parents support their children, help them in learning. The parents need to
focus in on teaching their children morals. Parents can also influence the religious beliefs of the child. The next
role of my parents is education role. They teach their children how to live and face problems. They support
them and keep away from danger. Children should follow the leadership of their parents. They help in the
household chores. Daughters usually help their other in the cooking, baking and cleaning. Boys usually help
their fathers with the household repairs.

What makes marriage last?

Similar values, ethnic backgrounds, interests, IQs, religions and lifestyles may be the most important
ingredients in a lasting relationship. A good relationship with people is also important. Couples who can discuss
honestly whatever is important to them are happier. Happy couples also tend to argue calmly. The most
successful couples have simply acknowledged that many problems are unsolvable and so have learned to work
around them. The most satisfied couples put the same and energy into their relationship as they put into their
children or career.

Describe your own family. What are your family traditions?

Our family celebrate the birthdays and names days together. On Christmas Day there is a family gathering, we
meet our relatives and we eat and celebrate together. At weekends we often go to visit our relatives. We
celebrate the New Year’s Eve together too.
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