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FWIW I think English still retains additional politeness levels in the form of addressing someone in third rather than second person, although this is mostly se
by hnbad 4y ago
FWIW I think English still retains additional politeness levels in the form of addressing someone in third rather than second person, although this is mostly seen as archaic. In media you'll typically see servants do this when addressing masters/lordship.
- tsimionescu 4y agoCould you give an example? Not a native speaker, and I don't think I've ever heard or read anyone using third person to refer to the person they are directly addressing.
- Blikkentrekker 4y ago“Would m'lord want another cup of tea?” opposed to “you” is stereotypical language of servants to noblemen. Even more formal is of using proxy objects, as in to not refer to a person directly, but some quality of him, “your highness” is the most obvious example.
- tsimionescu 4y agoOhh, I understand what you mean now, thanks! I was thinking of something like "would he like a cup of tea?" when you said third person, and that didn't seem to match anything I'd heard/read, so I was feeling very confused.
- hnbad 4y agoYes, I was thinking honorifics and such instead of pronouns.