Datapoint Burmese / Politeness Distinctions in Pronouns

Language:Burmese
Feature:Politeness Distinctions in Pronouns by Johannes Helmbrecht
Value:Pronouns avoided for politeness

Notes

ăhyiñhpăyà

2nd sg. hon.

- used by speakers of either sex; speaking to monks;

etymology: 'lord'

hkiñbyà

2nd sg. hon.

- used by male speakers only; etymology: 'lord,

master'

hsăyah̲k̲ăleì

2nd sg. hon.

- used by speakers of either sex; speaking to nuns;

etymology: 'little teacher'

hyiñ

2nd sg. hon.

- used by female speakers only; etymology: 'lord,

master'

meiˀhswei

2nd sg. hon.

- used by speakers of either sex; etymology: 'friend'

mìñ

2nd sg. fam.

- used by male and female speakers; familiar, impolite;

etymology uncertain: 'king' ?

niñ

2nd sg. fam.

- used by male and female speakers; familiar, impolite

nyì

2nd sg. fam.

- used by male and female speakers; familiar, impolite

to

2nd sg. fam.

- used by male and female speakers; familiar, impolite

yu

2nd sg. fam.

- used by speakers of either sex; university slang,

mainly among women; etymology: borrowing from

English 'you'

References