T/V, in Living Colour: On the Semantics and Pragmatics of (In)formal Pronouns

Quite a few languages make a distinction between formal (“V”) pronouns, such as German “Sie” or Mandarin nin3, and informal (“T”) ones, such as “du” and ni2. Pace Levinson and Horn, I argue that the rule-conforming usage of T and V cannot be construed as an example of conventional implicature. The difference is, rather, a matter of use-conditional content. However, speakers may also use T/V pronouns in situations where the propriety standards are less clear. In such cases, speakers may employ T or V in order to convey which pronoun ought to be used, which may be construed as a specific kind of manner implicature. Finally, speakers may intentionally use inappropriate pronouns. In certain contexts, this may constitute a manner implicature too. In some other contexts, this may be likened to intentionally infringing on a rule of etiquette. Doing so will often be considered rude, but that does not necessarily mean that the infringement constitutes a communicative act.