The Politeness Systems of Address, Variations across Breton Dialects

This paper provides a synthesis of the various address systems in Breton dialects, and their evolution during last century. It discusses available data elicitation results from recent fieldwork. Three distinct are described: hierarchical T–V (plurals directed to superiors as V form), gendered women girls non-dual (the once singular marker noted †2SG is missing all paradigms, plural form †V unique pronoun does not realise formal marker). These mapped respective territories usage an analysis offered diachronic cross-influences these three over Most speakers central southern area restricted pronoun, like Modern English you. system gaining ground towards coasts, where distinctive T among male close friends or relatives gives rise Welsh (Watkins). In remaining North South-East areas, organised centrally around age social status resisting extension much more. Evidence presented for independent subsystems inside both systems: addresses animals, clergymen God. Occasional inversion expected serves emotionally charged interactions (aggressive T, hypocoristic V).