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Řádek 1: |
Řádek 1: |
− | '''2. Discuss the development of the pronouns ''you'' and ''thou'' (both from the formal and the pragmatic point of view).'''
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− | - "thou" = represents 2nd person ''singular'', whereas "you" represents 2nd person ''plural''
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− | - however, these forms began to be used to make social rather than number distinctions
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− | - in some European languages, the plural forms are used as markers of politeness, called ''honorifics''
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− | - this use of the 2nd person personal pronouns was probably influenced by French, and it first appeared in the 13th c., and was
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− | established by the 14th c.
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− | - the PL forms were used in addressing superiors in age, rank, and social class; in the upper classes it was also used among
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− | equals, who didn't have a close relationship
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− | - contrary to this, the SG forms were used in addressing inferiors (citizens, servants, children, even wives)
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− | - the lower classes mostly used the SG forms, and moreover, the SG form was also used to address ''God''
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− | - in general, the PL forms indicate deference, respect, and politeness; however, if use inappropriately, it can be perceived as
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− | distancing, threatening, or reprimanding
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− | - the SG forms are used to express affection in intimate situations, or disrespect and contempt in arguments
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− | - there is a possibility to use the SG form inappropriately as well, which could be regarded as patronizing
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− | - the actual usage of ''thou'' and ''you'' in EModE was variable, in many instances in free variation
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− | - ''you'' gradually became the neutral form of address, either because the lower classes wanted to imitate the upper classes,
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− | or because the form ''thou'' was stigmatized by the usage of lower class
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− | - by 1700, the SG forms were only preserved in some regional dialects, conservative formal writing, and religious groups (such
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− | as the Quakers, who reject politeness in favor of a plain style)
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− | - some dialects later attempted to restore the distinction by creating new PL forms (you guys, y'all..), but they hadn't become
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− | standard
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− | '''Zdroj:''' Laurel J. Brinton, Leslie K. Arnovick. ''The English Language: A Linguistic History.''
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