"Many languages have at least two forms of a pronoun meaning "you", a singular and a plural. However, the plural form is widely felt to be more deferential. In numerous languages the plural "you" has become the polite "you", while the singular "you" has become the familiar and intimate "you"...Other pronouns can be affected also...In Japanese, extreme, formalized politeness has affected the whole pronoun system. For example, the most formal word for "I", watakusi, originally meant "slave" or "servant"."
Jean Aitchison, Language Change: Progress or Decay?, Cambridge University Press 2001.
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About Me
- Katherine Barber
- Canada's Word Lady, Katherine Barber is an expert on the English language and a frequent guest on radio and television. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Her witty and informative talks on the stories behind our words are very popular. Contact her at wordlady.barber@gmail.com to book her for speaking engagements; she can tailor her talks to almost any subject. She is also available as an expert witness for lawsuits.
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