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First names and nicknames (pet names)






The most obvious names that show solidarity are the use of first names and pet or nicknames.

 

First names

When you are on a first name basis with someone, while it can often be for the sake of convenience, it is also a sign that you feel some level of familiarity with them. In fact, it is really the first step to beginning any kind of closer relationship.

 

Nicknames or Pet names

Nicknames or pet names, show a particularly high level of solidarity. When you allow someone to call you by a “special” name you are acknowledging a special level of solidarity. If you do not have that level of solidarity, using a pet name can be considered extremely rude.

 

Would you let the person next to you call you, Moya Malenkaya Ribka?

 

Family role based names

A person also has a role-based name within his or her family. That name in English may be father or son, mother or daughter, grandmother, grandfather, husband, wife, cousin, aunt, etc. Each name has a level of power and or solidarity that is part of that name within the family structure. Older brother usually has more power than younger sister. Dad usually has more power than son. Brother has more solidarity than cousin, depending on the culture.

Interestingly, these role names can be switched around as well. For example among Porte Ricans living in New York, U.S.A, an interesting variation is that parents often times refer to their children as momma and papa—what does this mean socially? It is just now being studied.

 

NUER

· In Nuer society, again our tribal people from Sudan, a person can have several names:

· A personal name or birth name, given by the parents

· A second name, given by the maternal grandparents

· A social name, when a child becomes an adult

· A clan name used only in wedding ceremonies and initiations.

· An “Ox” name chosen by the person to suggest some triumph in war or sport or hunting and used by friends.

 

All of these names are used at different times by different people.

 

Now what about in an English speaking society? I will use myself as an example.

 

ENGLISH SOCIETY: ME

· I have the same family names as you do: I am a brother, in particular an older brother, a son, a grandson, and a cousin so far.

· I am Mr. Ferry to you and to my other classes.

· My first name is Todd, which is what my friends, acquaintances and some colleagues can call me.

· My middle name is Michael, which is my baptismal name that I received when I was baptized in the Catholic tradition.

· When I was confirmed, also part of the Catholic tradition, I chose the name “Jerome.”

· Sometimes my friend’s call me by various nicknames I am not willing to share.

 

Each of these names suggests a different social relationship I have with the people who use them.

POLITENESS IN LANUAGE [FORMAL LANGUAGE]

Now, let’s move on to politeness in language.

Finally we show power and solidarity in our choice of politeness in language. You do not use a low level or more colloquial form of speaking with your boss or your teacher. If you remember the term “REGISTER” from two lectures ago, this is basically what we are talking about here.

 

Would you say to your boss:

 

“Good afternoon, Sir. Your secretary informed me that you wanted to speak to me about a new client and possibly some additional work.” [Formal]

Or

 

“Hi there. Did you ask to see me? I heard we got a new client. That’s great.” [Normal]

 

Or

 

“Yo man, what’s happening? The chick who keeps you straight said you got somethin’ cookin’ and you want me on board. Cool. No problemo. Give me the lowdown.” [Very informal]

 

That of course is an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

 

Moreover, there are certain forms we use expressly to be polite to people who have a higher level of power and with whom we share less solidarity.

For example:

 

Would you mind…

or

Is it/would it be possible…

 

Some languages have highly developed systems of low and high registers used to speak to different people with whom you have power and solidarity relationships. For example, in Javanese culture, it is almost impossible to say anything to anyone without directly stating in the language you use their and your social positions. In this case YOU MUST state your difference in solidarity in your language—This is not necessarily the case in English and again, it is one instance that is considered proof for the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.

 






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