2938: Kinship Systems: Not Patrilineal nor Matrilineal

The kinship system is a particular collection of terms for one's familial relatives. There are some languages that involve different orders, but these are three of the primary six, although none have the same way of denoting cousins respectively, none are concerned with matrilineal or patrilineal, as will be seen in the next set. 

Eskimo System:

The Eskimo system is primarily used in many Western and industrialized societies. It emphasizes nuclear family relationships and distinguishes between close and distant relatives. The system uses specific terms for mother, father, brother, sister, as opposed to aunt, uncle, and cousin, but does not differentiate between maternal or paternal sides for siblings or cousins.

Hawaiian System:

The Hawaiian system is one of the simplest and is commonly used in many Polynesian societies. It categorizes relatives by their generational and gender relations. There is no distinction between maternal and paternal sides of the family. For example, the terms ‘father’ and ‘uncle’ might be used interchangeably or there may only be one term to begin with, and likewise between siblings and cousins.

Sudanese System:

The Sudanese system is the most complex and features a large number of distinct terms for each kinship relationship. Each individual relative (uncle, aunt, cousin, grandson etc.) has a unique term depending on their gender, generation, and whether they are on the mother's or father's side. While kinship systems don’t usually consider married relationships, many Sudanese kinship systems will likewise have specific terms for types of in-laws, as opposed to phrases like used in English. This system is typically found in many African and Middle Eastern societies and provides detailed distinctions between all types of kin.