1.2. A) Read the text on some different uses of names and nicknames, paying attention to the bold-faced words and expressions.

b) Write 5-7 questions based on the text.

c) Summarize the text and present it to class.

Just like Russians and other nations, the British use different kinds of names and titles for establishing and maintaining social relations. There are a lot of different reasons for choosing an adequate name or a title.

The main reasons are as follows:

1. the relationship of the speaker with the other person;

2. the degree of formality;

3. the degree of politeness and friendliness and the like.

For example, if Mr., James Smith is checking in at a hotel where he has made advance reservations, he says: My name is James Smith, because he knows that this is the name the receptionist must look up. If he is introducing himself to a new neighbour and wishes to allow the neighbour to determine the level of friendship they can expect of each other, he says: I’m Jim Smith. If he is introducing himself to a small child, indicating an address form for him, he says: I’m Mr. Smith. If he is introducing himself in one of those modern settings which call for intimacy but not familiarity, he says: I’m Jim.

In some cultures it is common to use titles when talking to people who are not family or friends. Sometimes these titles show the person’s profession. Or they tell us that he or she is older and should be honoured (=treated with respect). In general, North Americans are not very formal; they are casual. That is true with titles, too. In everyday life, titles are not used, except for Doctor (Dr.) for a medical doctor, and sometimes Professor (Prof.) for a university professor.

Naturally, Mr. and Mrs., Miss, and the newer form Ms. (pronounced [miz] and used for any woman, married or not) are used, for example on the outside of the envelope when sending letters. However, the title Ms. is not a neutral word. To avoid using the wrong title, people in the U.S. usually politely ask which title to use, as they are being introduced. For instance, take the following conversation:

Mr. Smith: Mr. Kershaw, I’d like to introduce you to Carol Duke.

Mr. Kershaw: (as they shake hands) I am very pleased to meet you. Is it “Ms. Duke”?

Mrs. Duke: “Mrs.” It’s my pleasure.

It is not polite to use any of the above titles alone without the surname. So you say: Mr. Smith or Mrs. Jones. The only exception is “Miss”, which is widely used as a form of address to a woman-teacher by primary schoolchildren.

The title ‘Dr.’ (Doctor) is used in academic or medical settings as title for those who received this highest degree from a university (Ph.D.=Doctor of Philosophy or M.D.= Doctor of Medicine, respectively).

In most English-speaking countries, when introductions are made in a formal or professional setting, titles are generally used. In informal situations, people are often introduced on a first-name basis. And they often use first names right away (=immediately) after meeting. In fact, many times even a boss or older person will ask you to use his or her first name or even a nickname.

Many North American names have nicknames. These are sometimes used by family and friends to show affection. Liz, Beth, and Betty are all common nicknames for the same name: Elizabeth.

Often nicknames are shorter than full names, such as Hank for Henry, or Sue for Susan. Some people use their nicknames only with family and friends. Others use their nickname most of the time. Bill Clinton is never called William (his full name is William J. Clinton).

Titles can be used more generally to mark the speaker’s relation to the person addressed. For example, Sir and Madam are vocatives (=a form of address to a person when speaking or writing), which mark respect or distance to a stranger. These are used to men and women by people performing a service for the public, e.g. some shopkeepers, policemen, a ticket collector, etc. But you’ll sound ridiculous if you use any of these vocatives yourself. However, don’t be surprised if someone uses one of them to you when you are on a stay in Britain. Other titles of respect and some professional titles can be used as vocatives:

Ladies and gentlemen – formal opening of a speech

My lord! – to a peer, a bishop, a British judge, etc.

Your Excellency – to an ambassador, a minister or any senior official

Mr. President – to a president

Prime Minister – to the leader of the government

Officer – to a policeman of any rank by everybody

Father – to a priest

Professor – to a university teacher at the highest level holding a chair of some branch of learning

Waiter/waitress/ server/ porter/ nurse – to people who give you a service (the address “server” is more often used in the US now, instead of ‘waiter’ or ‘waitress’, as being more politically correct.)

As for the forms of address to strangers, it should be said that they are restricted in English. “Sir” and especially “Madam” are too formal to be used in most situations, unless you are the person providing public services. Thus, to get the attention of a stranger you may often have to rely on “Excuse me?” or in American English (further - AmE) “Pardon?”

Apart from that, in contrast there are some forms of familiar use of vocatives, such as: Daddy (dad), old man, you guys (very informal AmE), My dear, darling, love, sweetheart, etc.

In Britain you may also hear love and dear used to anybody by shopkeepers in a very informal friendly way. People of older generations in modern Britain like to address younger people with ‘love’, which sounds unusual at first but sweet when you get used to it.