On Thu, 8 Feb 2001, M. Adam Davis wrote:

> Olin Lathrop wrote:
> > It's time to drop that patronising "sir" crap.
>
> It is required in his native language to specify, in nearly every
> sentence, whether one is in a position of authority over, a peer of, or
> subservient to the individual one is speaking with.  By not doing so one
> risks offense.
>
> There isn't an english word for peer, so he is erring on the safe side of
> honoring you, Olin, so that you won't be offended.  It is a completely
> foreign concept to him to not include such honorific, and may take some
> time for him to change his habits.  It's not his intention to be
> patronising.
>
> I am glad, however, that you are helping him to learn some of the finer
> points of english.  In my communications with him I never mentioned this,
> and I suppose I should have taken the opportunity as well.

Actually Adam, you should teach him the finer points of sarcasm. :)

Scott

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