the questions of our times: formality and vampires

[rm]

This, thanks to a discussion started by weirdquark. Please do visit the comments where you will learn many things including the many ways formality is structured in different languages (something my questions did not fully take into account, and I apologize for that), werewolf pack dynamics considerations, and whether there are vampires in France.

[Poll #1601631]

Comments

[lyorn.livejournal.com]

IMO, "based on relationship" covers also "different formalities for different types or not". I'd always put situation ahead of principle when it comes to how to address [whatever].

Also, in German, the formal address it not necessarily more respectful. It's just more distanced. Not using the appropriate address on purpose is disrespectful. While assuming familiarity, especially from someone of higher status, is bad manners (and trouble if they are acting in an official fuction which does not encourage familiarity), calling someone with whom you are on familar terms "Sie" suddenly is slamming a door in their face.

Many groups always use familiar address -- families, obviously (my cousin-in-law who I never met before can still expect the familar address), some subcultures, students, many hobbyist clubs and some workplaces. If I were introduced to a vampire, werewolf, ghostie or ghoulie, the context in which that happened would determine the form of address.

So while I said "on grammar", it comes down to relationship (and manners) again.

In my vampire story cycle, vampires are not "out", i.e. they do not tell anyone of their nature unless that person has a need to know. They are usually addressed in distanced/formal mode, because they are strangers. (One of the protagonists, however, addresses all vampires on familiar terms unless she is really cross with them. Being near-immortal and having acted as midwife to the first vampire in the world makes her consider the whole bunch "family".)