How to address others politely
you will use appropriate salutations
you will use appropriate forms of addressforms of address
you will use appropriate formulas for starting and ending correspondence
Conduct in various communication situationscommunication situations is a manifestation of awareness of the principles of courtesy or savoir‑vivresavoir‑vivre – cultural norms of conduct in society. Courtesy is also expressed through language, for example in such phrases as „Good Morning”. The use of specific phrases is associated with language etiquettelanguage etiquette – it depends on the context and circumstances (official, solemn, unofficial, everyday situations) in which these phrases are used. Every culture develops its typical patterns of conduct and communication standards.
In Polish culture, language etiquette includes several important principles: interest in the recipient, adapting our expression to the recipient's social role and age, responding to greeting, attention to graphic design and composition of writing, etc.
Official texts should usually begin with the forms of address that are useful primarily in traditional and electronic letters. Such forms as „Dear Madam” or „Dear Sir” are always followed by a verb in the third person singular, and the form „Dear Sirs” requires the use of a verb in the third person plural. Similar rules also apply to phrases used when addressing older people.
Write in what situations we can say the following sentences. Next, explain the difference between the phrases below that contain the word „hello/witam” and modern forms of greetings used in electronic correspondence (e‑mails). Answering the question also consider whether the use of the „hello/witam” form is correct. If necessary, use a Polish language dictionary.
Familiarise yourself with the most important rules of etiquette in Polish culture. Do you know similar rules for other countries? Talk to others about them.
How should official texts be opened?
Official texts should usually open with forms of address. Find below examples of such phrases.
„Dear Sir/Madam,...” | „...please notice...” „...please send...” „...please familiarize yourself with...” „... would you be as kind as to... + (infinitive)” „would you please... + (infinitive)” |
„Dear Sirs,...” | „...please send [plural]...” „...please send [plural]...” „... please familiarize yourselves with...” „...would you [plural] be as kind as to... + (infinitive)” „would you [plural] please... + (infinitive)” |
How should recipients be addressed in different social situations?
General salutationssalutations | „Dear Madam” „Dear Sir” „Dear Sirs” |
People with academic degrees | „Dear Professor [surname]” [female] „Dear Professor [surname]” [male] „Dear Dr. [surname]” [female] „Dear Dr. [surname]” [male] |
People with professional titles | a) attorney: „Dear Madam” „Dear Sir” |
Officials | a) president and vice‑president: „Dear President” [female] „Dear President” [male] b) Marshal of the Sejm and Deputy Marshal of the Sejm: „Dear Marshal” [female] „Dear Marshal” [male] c) rector and vice‑rector: „Your Magnificence” „I offer Her/His Magnificence...” |
People in managerial positions | a) director and vice‑director: „Dear Madam” „Dear Sir” b) manager and deputy manager: „Dear Madam” „Dear Sir” |
How to open a letter?
Official forms of address to the recipient whose profession is unknown to us | Official forms of address to the recipient with a scientific title or performing certain functions | Unofficial (private) forms of address to people close to the sender |
„”Dear Madam,...” „...thank you for the message...” | „Dear Madam,...” „...thank you for reading my letter...” „Dear Sir,...” „...I am writing to you regarding...” „Dear Professor [surname]” [female] „...thank you for kindly accepting my paper...” | „Dear Mum!/Dear Dad!/Dear Parents!/” „Dear All!” „Thank you for your kind words...” „Dear Auntie!” „I got your message – thank you...” „Hi, Ania!” „I'm replying to your e‑mail” „Hey, Jacek!/Hi!” „Thank you/Thanks for the news...” „Hello!/Hi!” |
How to close a letter?
Official forms of address to the recipient whose profession is unknown to us | Unofficial (private) forms of address to people close to the sender |
„...Best regards/Sincerely/Faithfully...” + (signature) | „...Take care/Greetings/All the best...” + (signature) |
In Polish correspondence, punctuation marks are not used after closing phrasesclosing phrases.
Closing phrases (e.g. „Greetings”, „Take care”) should be used sparingly. They can be used in personal letters or in correspondence to people known to the addressee. However, it is not appropriate to use these forms in letters to older people, people performing important social functions or to people unknown to us.
Complete the text.
modern, older, singular, personal, younger, traditional, Official, plural, verb, first, noun, third
...................... texts should usually begin with the forms of address that are useful primarily in ...................... and electronic letters. Such forms as "Dear Madam" or "Dear Sir" are always followed by a verb in the ...................... person singular, and the form "Dear Sirs" requires the use of a ...................... in the third person ....................... Similar rules also apply to phrases used when addressing ...................... people.
Write an official letter on any topic in which you will use the models of courtesy proposed in this lesson.
Match the pairs: English words with Polish definition.
sytuacja komunikacyjna, forma pożegnalna, zwrot grzecznościowy, savoir‑vivre, etykieta językowa, zwrot adresatywny
| closing phrase | |
| communication situation | |
| form of address | |
| language etiquette | |
| salutation | |
| savoir‑vivre |
Keywords
savoir‑vivre, salutations, correspondence, etiquette
Glossary
forma pożegnalna
sytuacja komunikacyjna
zwrot adresatywny
etykieta językowa
zwrot grzecznościowy
savoir‑vivre