Saturday, July 2, 2016

greetings - Teacher as a way of addressing



Can we use the word teacher as a form of address to our teacher?
As in "Excuse me, teacher! Can I ask a question"
I've heard different forms of address like sir, or Mr. Connor, ...
Doesn't calling your teacher "teacher" sound weird or maybe not appropriate?



Answer



I believe your question is motivated by wanting to show appropriate respect.


From my experience, addressing the person who teaches your classes as teacher is usually used by the very young or those learning English. I assume the latter use it since they believe it is a title, which it is not in English based countries but may be considered as such in other cultures.


Usually a surname preceeded by Mr., Mrs., Ms. (AmE) or Miss is most appropiate inside and outside a university setting. Miss is used regardless of martial status in BrE during nursery.


In university, Professor is appropriate for those in that position. If a higher title is involved then Dean, Provost, President, etc. followed by a surname should be used.


During examinations, Proctor can be used without loss of respect or understanding.



I have always used Mr., Mrs., Ms. with the appropriate surname even when a given name was offered.


[Addition]
Having said all this, it has not been unheard of for certain teenagers to have used the salutation



Yo Teach!



as shorthand for



Hello Mrs. Corbett. How are you today?




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