Here's a sample letter from a mother to her son living overseas. You can use the same format when writing letters to your family members in Penang Hokkien. Read also the reply to this letter.
William Lee
29 Rowstock Gardens
London, N7 0BG
United Kingdom.
William Lee
29 Rowstock Gardens
London, N7 0BG
United Kingdom.
14 January, 2014
Dear Ah Boy,
How are you? It's going to be Chinese New Year in two weeks. It doesn't feel the same this year, as you won't be around for the first time. All of us at home miss you dearly.
How are you in London? I believe it's getting very cold now, isn't it? Remember to don something thick if you are going out. Don't catch a cold.
How's your studies? This year Ah Choo is taking the SPM while Ah Saik the PMR. Ah Saik got 7As for his PMR. Not bad. Naturally your Daddy is ecstatic, he's buying Ah Saik a new motorcycle.
I have a bit of unpleasant news to share. Three days ago Grandma fell in the bathroom. She's now at Island Hospital. There you are. Told her not to go to the bathroom on her own, she won't listen. At that time the rest of us were out. Fortunately Hasnah helped her up. I hope the doctor will let her come home in another one or two days. Grandma also doesn't want to stay in hospital through Chinese New Year.
This year Auntie Betty is making all sorts of New Year cookies. There's kuih kapit, kuih bangkit and that honeycomb cookie which I don't even know the name! Unfortunately you aren't around, I know you are going to love all of them.
If you can come home, please let me know, okay? We will go to the airport to fetch you. Until then, study well.
Love,
Mummy
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