Re: [tied] Formal and Informal 2nd Person

There are formal and informal forms for 2nd person in Russian. Last century,
husbands, wives and parents were approached in formal form too.

----- Original Message -----
From: "David James" <david@...>
To: <cybalist@egroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2000 5:35 PM
Subject: [tied] Formal and Informal 2nd Person


> Why do so many western Eupopean languages have both formal and
> informal forms of the 2nd person and am I correct in believing that
> they are relatively recent phenomena; from the last five or six
> hundred years perhaps? Did they develop as a result of social change
> for instance the rise of a landlord class? I sure that Latin did not
> distinguish between formal and informal address. Also are formal and
> informal forms found in Slavic, Indic languages as well? Enough
> questions for now I look forward to your replies.
> David James
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