From the passage, it can be understood that: A. English is a dull lan…

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English is a fascinating language. That its spellings are not phonetic and its pronunciation idiosyncratic is well known. But what is less familiar is that the meaning of a word sometimes depends on the tone with which it's spoken. Even more surprising is the fact that how you address someone reflects more than just your respect for them. It can also convey your recognition of their marital status or the longevity of their husband. This is why the English language has very specific terms of address. Sadly, few people today understand them.

To start with, terms of address, like those of endearment, can be misleading. For instance, not every use of the word 'dear" is endearing. Depending on the tone, the phrase 'dear boy can be weighed down with sarcasm or even grounded in disgust. You have to listen to the voice to make out what is meant. That's also true of the way someone chooses to address you.

I was eighteen when I discovered this. As a young freshman at Pembroke, the Cambridge tradition of addressing undergraduates as "Sir" was both pleasing and perplexing. No one had ever called me "Sir" before: nor was I aware that the word can be used without deference.