As rhe cross-cultural dude on tips,I have interacted among many internationa students,and have noted that some do not like being addressed by a shortened version of their names.I have been corrected many times by some international students from the British Isles for doing this. Is name shortening a unique United States phenomenon? is Palij short for Palijinski? I do not imagine Elizabeth Loftus would appreciate being addressed as Liz or Beth.In the French creole speaking countries in the Caribbean: Martinique,Guadeloupe,St.Barthelmy,Dominica,St.Lucia,amd French Guiana(Cayenne), and Haiti Beth can be easily mean a cow. A faculty person from Scotland preferred to be addressed as Elizabeth not Liz. The name Chris can designate either a male or female.Btw,do not address an Arab student as Mo.I am surprised that we have not shortened the Illinois governor's last name to "Blag"
Michael Sylvester,PhD Daytona Beach,Florida "What's your name" Lynyrd Skynyrd --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
