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The ancient Greek address system and some proposed sociolinguistic universals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2009

Eleanor Dickey
Eleanor Dickey
Affiliation:
Classical Studies, University of Ottawa, PO Box 450, Stn. A Ottawa, Ontario KIN 6N5, Canada, edickey@aixl.uottawa.ca
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Abstract

This article summarizes the results of a longer study of address forms in Ancient Greek, based on 11,891 address tokens from a variety of sources. It argues that the Greek evidence appears to contradict two tendencies, found in address forms in other languages, which have been claimed as possible sociolinguistic universals: the tendency toward T/V distinctions, and the principle that “What is new is polite.” It is suggested that these alleged universals should perhaps be re-examined in light of the Greek evidence, and that ancient languages in general have more to contribute to sociolinguistics than is sometimes realized. (Address, Ancient Greek, T/V distinctions)

Type
Articles
Information
Language in Society , Volume 26 , Issue 1 , March 1997 , pp. 1 - 13
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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