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Language Notes

Language Notes. Understanding common issues in both British and American English. By: Craig Wimsett. Language Notes: Addressing People. How do you address people (What do you call them) when you want to talk to them?. 1-4. Talking to strangers.

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Language Notes

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  1. Language Notes Understanding common issues in both British and American English By: Craig Wimsett

  2. Language Notes: Addressing People How do you address people (What do you call them) when you want to talk to them? 1-4

  3. Talking to strangers When talking to strangers there is often no special form of address in English. Usually, if you want to attract the attention of a stranger it is necessary to use such phrases as Excuse me. Excuse me! Can you tell me how to get to Oxford Street? Say! (American English Informal) Is it far to the subway from here? 2-4

  4. Talking to Strangers: British In British English Sir and Madam are too formal for most situations, They are used mostly to customers in shops, restaurants, etc,. • Would you like your coffee now, Madam/Sir? • Shall I wrap it for you, Madam/Sir? 3-4

  5. Talking to Strangers: American In American English Sir and Ma’am are not as formal and are commonly used in conservations with strangers, especially with older people whose names you do not know. • Pleased to meet you Ma’am. • Excuse me, Sir. Could you tell me the way to the nearest subway? 4-4

  6. Names of Occupations Doctor and nurses can be used as forms of address. • Can I have a words with you Doctor? • Nurse could I have a glass of water? The names of a few other occupations such as porter and waiter are sometimes used as forms of address, though some people consider this is impolite. However, most names of occupations cannot be used in this way. (Note, especially, that teacher is not used as a form of address.) 1-1

  7. Special forms of Address There are some forms of address that show respect to people, especially if they are in positions of authority. These are used in formal situations. • Ladies and gentleman: (Opening of speech) • Your Excellency: (to an ambassador) • Your Highness: (for a prince or princess) • Mr./Madam President • Prime Minister 1-1 By: Craig Wimsett

  8. Talking to people you know When you know people you can use their names. People’s names can be used to attract their attention or to show that you are talking particularly to them. If you are friends, use their first name; if your relationship is more formal, use Ms/Mr Smith etc.. • Mary, could you help me with this box? • What’s your opinion, Eric? • Dr. Davis, could you tell us what the committee has decided? • Sign here please, Ms Burton, Note that Ms, Miss, Mrs, and Mr are not usually used alone in speechor writing but are followed by the family name. 1-1 By: Craig Wimsett E-Mail: cw4ii6200@yahoo.com

  9. Talking to family or friends • Within a family or between friends there are many possible forms of address. “Family” words are most commonly used by children talking to parents: (AM) dad/daddy, father (AM) mom/mother, (BR) mum/mom, mummy. (AM) aunt/uncle , (BR) auntie and uncle are sometimes used alone as a form of address, but the name is often added: Auntie May/Uncle Tom. Many words can be used informally to express friendship or love, such as darling/dear/honey/love/sweet heart,etc.. 1-3 By: Craig Wimsett BR: British English AM: American English

  10. Talking to family or friends Be careful! There are many forms of address which can be used between friends or strangers. However, many of these are limited in use. For example, (BR) pal and mate can be used between strangers, but are usually only used by men talking to men. 2-3 By: Craig Wimsett E-Mail: cw4ii6200@yahoo.com

  11. Talking to family or friends You will also hear such words as darling, dear, honey, and love used between strangers. In this case they do not, of coarse express love, but are being used as informal forms of address. The use of these words is not general but depends on such things as the variety of English spoken, the sex of the speaker and hearer, and the social position of the speaker and hearer. For example, in Britain a waiter or waitress might address a customer as love, but only in an informal restaurant or cafe, and never in an expensive restaurant. 3-3

  12. Language notes: Apologies Apologies can be very short and direct, or longer and more complex. When deciding which expressions are suitable for which situations, it is useful to ask certain questions. Questions follow on next slide! 1-2 By: Craig Wimsett E-Mail: cw4ii6200@yahoo.com

  13. Language notes: Apology considerations • How bad is the thing which has happened? If it is very bad, the apology will be stronger. • What is the relationship between the person who is apologizing (the speaker) and the person they are speaking to (the hearer)? If the hearer is in the position of authority, the apology may be stronger. • How responsible is the speaker for what happened? If the speaker is really at fault, the apology will be strong. • Will the hearer immediately know the reason for the apology? If not, the speaker must make his clear. 2-2

  14. Apologies (I’m) sorry Excuse me Pardon me I beg your pardon (BT fml) Responses It’s/That’s all right It’s/That’s Ok Don’t worry Quick Apologies (Small Incidents) For something small (such as accidentally bumping into someone) 1-3

  15. Quick Apologies (Big Incidents) For something bigger (such as spilling coffee or tea all over someone’s new cloths), it is usual to add a comment -I didn't see you sitting there. (explain or excuse) -Are you alright? Expression of concern) -I’ll get a cloth. (Offer of help) -That was really clumsy of me, (Self-Criticism) (Oh!) I’m Sorry 2-3

  16. Apologies In General to all apologies • It is also possible to add words to make the apology stronger. I’m really/awfully/so/terribly sorry. I do beg your pardon (BT Formal) 3-3 By: Craig Wimsett E-Mail: cw4ii6200@yahoo.com

  17. Explaining an apology When apologizing for something which the hearer does not yet know about or may not remember, the speaker needs to explain what had happened, or remind the hearer of the situation. It is usual to add an explanation, excuse, offer of help, etc. • John about the meeting. I’m sorry I was late-I missed the bus. • I must apologize for my behavior last night. I’m afraid I was in rather a bad mood. • I’ve got something awful to tell you. I lost that book you lent me. I’m really sorry. I’ll buy you another. • I feel dreadful about what I said on the phone. I didn’t really mean it, you know. • Note: that, as in the last example, it is not necessary to use any direct words of apology.

  18. Written and formal Apologies • Formal apologies, especially in written form, are often marked by the use of the word apology or apologize. -I am writing to apologize for my absence from last weeks; meeting. I was unexpectedly held up at work and was not able to contact you. - Please accept our (sincere) apologies for any inconveniences caused by the delay in delivery of you order.

  19. Language Notes Understanding common issues in both British and American English

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