Formal vs.
Informal
Informal forms
• Grew sharply in continental Europe after 1960
• Collapse of authoritarian regimes gave process another boost
• High ranking people ask to be addressed in singular form, rather than plural (Sweden)
• “Hey you” and “Excuse me” are a normal way to address someone in public encounters in Britain
Formal forms
• Showed the elder generation’s cultural hegemony
• 3rd principle forms for politeness went out of style with the new generation
• The plural form sounds unfriendly
• 3rd person is now only used for addressing royalty and in public sessions of the parliament (Sweden)
• In France, some parents still expect their children to use the plural form when addressing them
• Special terms in India to address someone in public encounters
• Usage of first names is restricted to spouses and parents in Japan and China
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