User Comments - an1

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an1

Posted on: How to Address Someone
January 20, 2011 at 11:17 PM

Thanks for this too! FYI, both issues are of interest (what I am called and what I call others) and I am much clearer now.

Posted on: How to Address Someone
January 19, 2011 at 10:08 PM

Thank you. This is very helpful. An1

Posted on: How to Address Someone
January 19, 2011 at 1:52 AM

I have a question related to the topic. I have not visited China since I started learning Mandarin and I have been wondering when people use professional titles (lǎoshī, jiàoshòu, etc.) vs. titles like nǚshì (or xiǎojie etc.) vs. more informal modes of address (first name).

As a middle-aged woman about to go there for business, my (Chinese) male colleagues have told me to use my professional title. However, is that also true at a hotel, in a restaurant, etc. I think they may not have quite understood the breadth of my question. Also, does this differ in other places such as Singapore? Part of the issue is I've also used Pimsleur which is old fashioned about women's titles it seems to me (using tàitai a lot).

I suppose I'll figure it out quickly enough once there, but I welcome comments. In the end I don't really mind what I'm called as long as I fit in reasonably.