[Lexicog] Re: The irony of thou

[Fritz Goerling]

Hayim,

 

You wrote: 

 

“Every political change reflects in a change of a formal address. The most
famous change in 1917 from gospodin/gospozha/baryshnia (Mr./Mrs/Ms) to
tovarisch/comrade. “ 

 

The same happened with the revolution in Burkina-Faso where French is the
language of administration. It resulted in address forms like “camarade
colonel” in the military. Now “camarade” has been dropped and it’s back to
Monsieur (Mr.). The younger generation in countries like Burkina-Faso, Mali,
Côte d’Ivoire often uses “chef” (chief) when addressing themselves to a
stranger,  asking for directions or a service. Even the form of address
“patron” (boss) is used to a stranger one’s age or above one’s age. But I
have not heard that employees address their superior/director by “chef” or
“patron.” “Monsieur” is expected.

 

Is “gospodin” in Russian not also a form of address for “God” as
“Lord/Master?” Like “adonay” in Hebrew, “Herr” in German, “Seigneur” in
French? Can one address someone in modern Russian by “Gospodin Jaschin”? Or
what is the equivalent of Mr.?

 

Fritz

 

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