Differences Of Asymmetry In Social Intertudes Between Class Vs. Forms

That being so, V forms reflect an asymmetry in social interactions regarding aspects such as power, age, work position etc. This means that, in the past, when social relationships were more power-oriented, there were more situations in which one speaker addressed the other with a T while his or her interlocutor answered with a V, for example. The present trend is, however, to seek symmetrical social attributes and use either a mutual T or a mutual V. In this case, the preference for one address form over the other among equals may vary, therefore, according to the extent speakers relate to each other and see each other as members of the same group, which is called ‘solidarity’ (BROWN; GILMAN, 1970, p. 258). In an equal and not solidary relationship, such as in cases of social membership/position
Their choice to address A1 as “du” in lines 005 and 006 is not, however, necessarily so straightforward, because A1 is their senior and also a professor at the University, two aspects which might have led them to prefer the V form. Still, at that moment neither A2 nor A3 had this information, because it would only be shared by A1 later in conversation. Therefore, the choice of both interactants for the “du” form suggests that in that first moment A2 and A3 propose solidarity and see the conversation as an exchange among equals. This form of address is then confirmed by the first card, read by A1 in line 010, which also brings a question with “du”. After that, A2 and A3 introduce themselves by their first names, which also suggests a more informal environment. It is also possible to notice that there is no indication on A1’s part that would suggest annoyance at being addressed as “du” and the matter is not brought up during the interaction. He also introduces himself by his first