The interaction between people in German speaking countries seems to be different between bosses and employees. Another difference would be between elders and younger people. It is different from America because the lines of familiarity are clearly drawn. In the young German people now, the lines of formality are starting to become more blurry. The formal words are supposed to be used for elders and for bosses. The informal "du" is supposed to be used for friends and family. We express the same differences with the words like "Mr." and "Mrs". Other ways that respect is shown is through body language and how they talk to each other. The person that is considered the elder or in a higher social position is the one to suggest that they switch to the informal "du". It is insulting if the formal "Sie" is not used when its supposed to be, then the elder will offended.
Sources:
http://www.languageexcellence.net/wordpress/2011/02/12/du-or-sie/
http://www.dw.de/the-du-sie-dilemma-in-german/a-16494631
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ReplyDeleteI liked how you mentioned how the lines were becoming blurry for younger generations. It was something I had not thought of but it was interesting to learn that things are changing.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you point out that rules regarding formal use of the word "you" is becoming more relaxed, just like just about everything is becoming less formal.
ReplyDeletei still find it interesting how elders demand respect and get some of it from the simple variation of the word "sie" vs informal "du"
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