In variation of number in pronominal reference showing different degrees of respect or social distance, the non-singular typically indicates a higher degree of respect toward the referent, or greater social distance between him and other participants in the speech act, than does the singular.
Standardized
IF there is any variation of number in pronominal reference showing different degrees of respect or social distance, THEN the non-singular typically indicates a higher degree of respect toward the referent, or greater social distance between him and other participants in the speech act, than does the singular.
Keywords
personal pronoun, non-singular number, singular number, respect, social distance
In Bemba (Bantu, Niger-Congo), “the paramount chiefs … are said to be addressed with you (Sg) despite the fact that all other adults are addressed in the plural (either 2nd or 3d person)” (Gregersen 1974: 53).In Chukchi and Koryak (both Chukchi-Kamchatkan), the plural forms of the 2nd person are often used in place of the singular without conveying the idea of respect (Bogoras 1922: 722) (mentioned in Head 1978).In Thai (Daic, Austronesian), 1Pl pronoun ‘raw’ can be used addressing an individual of the lower degree of respect (Morev 1961: 90) (EF).
