[Linganth] Changing formal/informal patterns

[Leila Monaghan]

Hi, a friend had a question that I thought I'd run by you as questions of
the tu/vous distinctions in European languages is so basic to everything we
teach.

"Apparently, in some places (such as Spain) the distinction between formal
and informal "you" has more or less disappeared, while in other places
(such as the Czech Republic) it is still hanging in there.  Do you know if
there is any literature on what factors might explain whether it is
preserved?  What about any literature on what the effects of losing the
distinction might be?"

Suggestions?

And great to see so many linguistic anthro friends at the AAAs!

Leila

-- 
Leila Monaghan, PhD
Publisher, Elm Books
Laramie, Wyoming
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