This document discusses the pronouns of address "T" and "V" and how their usage varies across languages and cultures based on dimensions of power and solidarity. It analyzes how these pronouns are used to reflect social hierarchies and relationships. Specifically: 1) Historically, "T" was used informally while "V" was formal, with "T" denoting solidarity between equals and "V" showing deference to superiors. 2) Surveys found patterns like using "T" with family but "V" with teachers/bosses, and these norms communicate social status and power dynamics. 3) The choice of pronoun can also express transient attitudes beyond social norms, like contempt

1. The Pronouns of Power and
Solidarity
T and V

2. Pronouns of Address
• You
• Thou- prayers and poetry
Before:
• Ye/You-formal
• Thou-informal

5. • T: Kumain ka na?
V: Kumain na po kayo?
(Have you eaten?)
• T: Ikaw ang napili para sa contest.
V: Sila po ang napili para sa contest.
(You were chosen for the contest.)

6. T and V
2 pronouns of address (You)
• Latin- Tu; Vos
• Italian- Tu; Voi (Lei)
• French- Tu; Vous
• Spanish- Tu; Vos (Usted)
• German- Du; Ihr (Er, Sie)
• English- Thou; Ye (You)
Two dimensions to the analysis of social life

7. Semantic Evolution of
T and V

8. • Latin Tu- singular
• Latin Vos- pluralsingular
• 4th century- T for all, V for emperor
(implicit plurality)
• Royal Persons: We; Common Persons: I
• Roman Emperor: Nos and reverential
Vos
• Expansion in society

9. Power Semantic

10. • Power- Relationship and control
• Superior: T and receives V
• Bases of power- strength, age, wealth,
sex, role in church and the state
• A child’s experience of subordination
to power starts within his family.
• Social structure, strata
• Upper Class: V; Lower Class: T

11. Solidarity Semantic

12. • Power: Asymmetrical/nonreciprocal;
Solidarity: symmetrical/reciprocal
• Like mindedness, similar behavioral
dispositions
• Differentiating address among equal
power
• T: Intimacy; V: Reverence

13. Figure 1
Superior and Solidary Superior and not Solidary
Equal and Solidary Equal and not Solidary
Inferior and Solidary Inferior and not Solidary

14. Customer
T V V
Waiter
Officer
T V V
Soldier
Employer
T V V
Employee
Parent
T T V
Son
Master
T T V
Faithful Servant
Elder Brother
T T V
Younger Brother
Customer
V
Waiter
Officer
V
Soldier
Employer
V
Employee
Parent
T
Son
Master
T
Faithful Servant
Elder Brother
T
Younger Brother
Figure 2

15. Interview
• Address between master and servant
retains the greatest power loading.
• Mutual T is advancing among fellow
students, fellow workers, members of
the same political group.

16. Survey
• Students were asked to answer a
questionnaire about their usage of T
and V.
• Family, school, strangers, etc.
• Members: Upper-middle class

17. Results
• German: T is applied within the family.
• French: T is applied in school and
workplace. (fellow MALE student/
fellow MALE worker)
• Italian: T is applied within the family but
more in school and workplace.
: extended to Italian female

18. Semantics, Social Structure and
Ideologies

19. • Power semantic is distributed by
birthright.
• Reciprocal solidarity: equalitarian
ideology.
• Prevails so much in French Literature.
• French Africa use nonreciprocal
address to recognize Caste system.
(Eu: V, Af: T)
• “Ye”- reverential singular by nobility.

20. Religious Society of Friends
(Quakers)
• George Fox
• 17th Century
• Popes introduced V
• Scriptures show the God is not happy
to say and receive T.

21. • Communism- Universal mutual T of solidarity.
• Afrikaans- 8 nonreciprocal power
distinction.
- Use T but not those who belong in
the last two lower castes.
- Coloreds: Meneer; Black: Baas
• Hindi- nonreciprocal T and V.
• Americans- no discriminating pronouns but
there are nonreciprocal norms of address.
• (White: First name, Negro: Mr, Ms)

22. • T and V are partnered with actions.
• Change in mode of address.
• Equalitarian favors solidarity.

23. Group Styles with the Pronouns
of Address

24. • Variations in pronouns style: social status
of speaker
– V – good breeding
• V and T indicates class membership (king
and servant)
• Literature: social climbers through wrong
imitation of V.
• Child learns what to use depending on
what group he belongs to.
• Barriers (religion, race, nationality, etc.)
affect non-solidarity.

25. Pronouns of Address as
Expression of Transient
Attitudes

26. • Behavior norms are practices consistent within a
group.
• Choice of pronoun violates the norm of a group
due to variation of attitudes.
• Not consistent personal styles but a deviation
from one’s group’s customs.
• Breaking the rule of solidarity: thinking another
member as an outsider.

27. Pronouns of Address as
Expression of Transient
Attitudes

28. • T contempt or anger
• V admiration or respect
• Dramas: V among high ranks and T
toward confidante.
• Thou and Ye: mood and tone
• Relationship between pronouns and
actions. (mocking)
• Solidarity semantic on plays: sympathy
and estrangement