The relation of power and the relation of solidarity embodied in the use of the character “老(lǎo)” in Chinese salutations

Huang Shaofei

This article studies the expressions with “X 老(lǎo)” and “老(lǎo) X” in Chinese salutations. The study focuses on the determining factors of expressing asymmetrical and symmetrical relations with “老(lǎo)”, like status, profession and age—the relation of power and the relation of equality. The author concludes that there are two relations in salutations with the Chinese character “老(lǎo)”—the relation of power and the relation of solidarity. Salutations of the relation of power include “老(lǎo) + one-character surname” and “老(lǎo) + salutations of kinship”, etc. Salutations of the relation of equality include “老(lǎo) + salutations of official position”, “老(lǎo) + social salutations” and “老(lǎo) + negative salutations”, etc.

Keywords:politeness, the relation of power; the relation of solidarity; “X 老(lǎo)”; “老(lǎo) X”