Thorsten Sander, “T/V, in Living Colour: On the Semantics and Pragmatics of (In)Formal Pronouns,” Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia 81, no. 4 (2025): 1133–60, https://doi.org/10.17990/RPF/2025_81_4_1133.
| Item Type | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Author | Thorsten Sander |
| Abstract | Quite a few languages make a distinction between formal (“V”) pronouns, such as German “Sie” or Mandarin nin3, and informal (“T”) ones, such as “du” and ni2. Pace Levinson and Horn, I argue that the rule-conforming usage of T and V cannot be construed as an example of conventional implicature. The difference is, rather, a matter of use-conditional content. However, speakers may also use T/V pronouns in situations where the propriety standards are less clear. In such cases, speakers may employ T or V in order to convey which pronoun ought to be used, which may be construed as a specific kind of manner implicature. Finally, speakers may intentionally use inappropriate pronouns. In certain contexts, this may constitute a manner implicature too. In some other contexts, this may be likened to intentionally infringing on a rule of etiquette. Doing so will often be considered rude, but that does not necessarily mean that the infringement constitutes a communicative act. |
| Date | 2025 |
| Library Catalog | 401; 401.43; 401.45; 160; 401.41 |
| License | © 2026 by Aletheia - Associação Científica e Cultural |
| Volume | 81 |
| Publisher | Axioma - Publicações da Faculdade de Filosofia |
| Section | Philosophy of Language: New Frontiers in Meaning and Use |
| Pages | 1133-1160 |
| Publication | Revista Portuguesa de Filosofia |
| DOI | 10.17990/RPF/2025_81_4_1133 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Journal Abbr | RPF |
| ISSN | 0870-5283 ; 2183-461X |
| Date Added | 1/31/2026, 7:42:02 PM |
| Modified | 1/31/2026, 9:22:23 PM |
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