WHY MR/MS IN FRONT OF FIRST NAME?
Dear Dr English,
I've learnt that Mr or Ms is followed by a surname, but every time I read newspapers I see that they use Mr/Ms with a first name. Please tell me which way is correct.
Nayada Th.
What you learnt is correct. Titles such as Mr, Mrs, Ms and Miss must be used with surname. I presume what you found in the newspaper was when the titles were used with Thai names. To go along with the Thai way of addressing each other, which is by the first name, this rule was changed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
JUNKYARD?
Dear Dr English,
Do you remember a letter from one of our readers, in the November 22 issue, asking for an English word for a shop that trades in discarded items such as used bottles and metal straps? Below is some input from a reader.
Dear Dr English,
I am from the United States and I work for the American Language Institute. We teach American English to soldiers and selected civilians from all over the world, including many soldiers from the great land of Thailand. I have made many friends from Thailand, even yesterday I was given simple gifts with elephants from a special colonel. She is on her way back to her homeland.
Well perhaps another answer to the above-mentioned question could be a flea market. Flea markets here sell new and used items, some collectibles. I go often, and can buy used things that can benefit my needs.
If I can help you expand your work feel free to send me a request. I have access to AOL and have a translator in case you get questions from other European nations.
In reality a junkyard in the US is a place where one buys car parts.
Eagletalon46@aol.com
Unfortunately I have no first-hand information on the recycling situation in the US, but I do know that in Europe recycling has become part of everyday life.
This is just one more example showing that language depends on the cultural context. Not every native-English-speaking country uses the same expressions and terminology. It also shows how difficult it can be to translate a Thai word into a universally understood English one. However, had you seen one of the shops in question in Thailand, you˛d agree that ¨junkyard ˇ is an accurate description.
Thank you for your time and effort to reply. We greatly appreciate your input and hope you will continue enjoying our column.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
***Every reader whose letter to Dr English is published in this column will receive a complementary gift. Please provide your mailing address with your question. To claim your gift, simply fax a copy of your ID card to (02) 3172056-7.**
Do you have any problems with English? Send your questions in English or Thai to Ajarn drenglish_7@hotmail.com.
|
