Two dimensional system of pronouns of address

(i) Two dimensional semantics in equilibrium:

V

|

T
Superior

V

|

T
Equal & Solidary
T
<------->
Equal & Non-solidary
V
<----->
Inferior

(ii) Two dimenstional system under tension:

V

|

T
Superior & Solidary
 T V
Superior & Non-solidary

V

|

T
Equal & Solidary
T
<------->
Equal & Non-solidary
V
<----->
Inferior& Solidary
 T V
Inferior & Non-solidary

 

The changes in the semantics of politeness in the use of the pronouns of address and postulate six social dyads (Brown and Gilman 1972)

Social dyads
Examples
Two dimensional
in equilibrium
Two dimensional
under tension
Eventual
one dimensional

Superior &
Solidary

 Parents
Elder sibling
Master
V
V/T
T
Superior &
Non-Solidary		 Customer
Officer
Employer
V
V
V
Equal &
Solidary		 Friends
T
T
T
Equal &
Non-Solidary		 Colleagues at work
business partners
V
V
V
Inferior &
Solidary		 offspring
younger sibling
long time servant
T
T
T
Inferior &
Non-Solidary

waiter
soldier
employee
T
T/V
V