An Analysis of the Generalization of the Address Term Teacher and Its Causes in Shandong Province, China

Abstract

The address term “teacher” is very common in Shandong Province. Taking Jining as an example, the author studies the phenomenon and causes of the generalization of the address term “teacher” by means of questionnaire survey. The research shows that most Jining citizens distinguish occasions when using “teacher”, and there is a consistent trend in the distinction of occasions. In addition to some service industries such as shopping malls, restaurants and hospitals affected by their own causes, the address term “teacher” can be used in almost any situation. But in different occasions, the use of “teacher” has different characteristics. As for the causes of the generalization of the address term “teacher”, in addition to the internal factors of language, there are other social factors. And the phenomenon of the generalization of the address term “teacher” will play a positive role in social development.