I think many of us often forget that titles have certain messages attached to them (e.g., ma'am/sir = authority of some sort), but use them mostly to convey some level of respect. The use of these titles is culturally based and, depending on the person being spoken to, the title could have negative implications. For example, my southern upbringing socialized me to use ma'am and sir when speaking to any adult or authority figure in order to show respect. I have become aware, however, that the use of these words is not acceptable to many people who are not from the south. In a similar manner, the use of Mr./Ms./etc. is perceived differently based on cultural norms; many people, including many professors, prefer being called by their first name.
   
  The issue of titles comes up often in ESL settings. The issue of titles for teachers is an especially challenging one in the ESL setting as the ideas of teachers and students often differ in this regard. Some ESL teachers like to be called by their first name, and others prefer Mr./Ms. and their last name. The confusion often occurs as many ESL students prefer calling their teachers "Teacher." In many cultures it is considered disrespectful to call a teacher by his/her name- the proper title is "Teacher" just as using "ma'am" and "sir" in the south is considered proper. 
   
  There are two implications that can be drawn from this discussion: one for the speaker and one for the listener. The speaker should, as much as possible, attempt to address people in a respectful manner, and not use titles that s/he knows is not culturally acceptable to a particular group of people. On the other hand, the listener should also understand that there are cultural meanings attached to certain titles, and should not be offended automatically when an inappropriate title is inadvertently used. For example, I really try not to use ma'am and sir when I know I am addressing people from the north. In addition, I am not offended when my ESL students call me Teacher instead of Ryan. 
   
  I believe the issue of titles should be addressed in the adult literacy classroom. I have had discussions about titles in both adult ESL classes and college orientation workshops. The use of titles has major cultural implications for both native and non-native English speakers, and is inconsistent depending on the setting. 
  
 
  Ryan Hall
  
Daphne Greenberg <ALCDGG at langate.gsu.edu> wrote:
  I agree. However, I also know that if women are sitting together in a group, someone may come over and say "ladies...." Not all women consider themselves ladies, or like to be addressed this way. Has anyone addressed this issue with adult literacy learners?


>>> cubans at seattleu.edu 11/10/2005 4:11:40 PM >>>

Daphne, if I am unsure, and do not know people, I always ask them what they like to be called, before addressing them. I think this encourages open communication, at the get-go, and is culturally sensitive. If there are no, or few opportunities to ask, or, if my question goes unanswered, I usually err on the formal side (and some cultural knowledge about what is "formal" should be known by the communicator). That's my 2 cents. Sondra


> ----------

> From: womenliteracy-bounces at dev.nifl.gov on behalf of Daphne Greenberg

> Reply To: The Women & Literacy Discussion List

> Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2005 12:47 PM

> To: womenliteracy at dev.nifl.gov 

> Subject: [WomenLiteracy] titles

> 

> On the professional development listserv, there was a posting that I thought may be of interest on this listserv. After you read the message I copied from Jim, I am wondering if any of you have any thoughts about this, and how our female students like to be addressed. Here is the posting:

> 

> At my school, some women do not like being referred to as "ladies," saying the "title" puts undue societal pressure on them to behave a certain way. In the 70's we learned that many traditional expressions pointing to femaleness were unacceptable. Many, such as "Honey," "Babe," and "Darlin'," showed a certain amount of familiarity and disrespect. I have even received disapproving feedback from a woman after saying "Yes, Ma'am." My grandmother would roll over in her grave at the thought of my not responding to a woman with a one-time courteous "Yes (or No) Ma'am." I would appreciate any assistance anyone can give me in determining the appropriate appellation or reference to the women of today. As I have three daughters, I certainly have no wish to offend to them or any woman.

> Why many men seem to be happy being referred to as "guys," or even "dudes," and so forth, while we are apparently having trouble zeroing in on a proper set of references to women, I don't know. I know that, just because terms were appropriate for many years and eras, it doesn't mean they should remain appropriate. 

> Jim

> 

> 

> 

> Daphne Greenberg

> Assistant Professor

> Educational Psych. & Special Ed.

> Georgia State University

> P.O. Box 3979

> Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3979

> phone: 404-651-0127

> fax:404-651-4901

> dgreenberg at gsu.edu 

> 

> Daphne Greenberg

> Associate Director

> Center for the Study of Adult Literacy

> Georgia State University

> P.O. Box 3977

> Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3977

> phone: 404-651-0127

> fax:404-651-4901

> dgreenberg at gsu.edu 

> 

> 

> ----------------------------------------------------

> National Insitute for Literacy

> Women and Literacy mailing list

> WomenLiteracy at dev.nifl.gov 

> To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to 

> http://dev.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/womenliteracy 

> 

> 



----------------------------------------------------
National Insitute for Literacy
Women and Literacy mailing list
WomenLiteracy at dev.nifl.gov
To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to
http://dev.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/womenliteracy
  

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.nifl.gov/pipermail/womenliteracy/attachments/20051110/22ec6c33/attachment.html