I'm So Fascinated By Languages With Different Levels Of Formality Built In Because It Immediately Introduces

I'm so fascinated by languages with different levels of formality built in because it immediately introduces such complex social dynamics. The social distance between people is palpable when it's built right into the language, in a way it's not really palpable in English.

So for example. I speak Spanish, and i was taught to address everyone formally unless specifically invited otherwise. People explained to me that "usted" was formal, for use with strangers, bosses, and other people you respect or are distant from, while "tú" is used most often between family and good friends.

That's pretty straightforward, but it gets interesting when you see people using "tú" as a form of address for flirting with strangers, or for picking a fight or intimidating someone. In other languages I've sometimes heard people switch to formal address with partners, friends or family to show when they are upset. That's just so interesting! You're indicating social and emotional space and hierarchy just in the words you choose to address the other person as "you"!!

Not to mention the "what form of address should I use for you...?" conversation which, idk how other people feel about it, but to me it always felt awkward as heck, like a DTR but with someone you're only just becoming comfortable with. "You can use tú with me" always felt... Weirdly intimate? Like, i am comfortable around you, i consider you a friend. Like what a vulnerable thing to say to a person. (That's probably also just a function of how i was strictly told to use formal address when i was learning. Maybe others don't feel so weird about it?)

And if you aren't going to have a conversation about it and you're just going to switch, how do you know when? If you switch too soon it might feel overly familiar and pushy but if you don't switch soon enough you might seem cold??? It's so interesting.

Anyway. As an English-speaking American (even if i can speak a bit of Spanish), i feel like i just don't have a sense for social distance and hierarchy, really, simply because there isn't really language for it in my mother tongue. The fact that others can be keenly aware of that all the time just because they have words to describe it blows my mind!

Opposing eugenics isn't "autism is the true master race actually-", it's refusing to entertain the idea that some people are born better and more worthy than other people. You can't just beat eugenics at its own game, you have to challenge the entire premise of genetic superiority

the qualities of Bunny are

-Two Long Ears (or anything resembling ears such as horns/antennae)

-Fluffy

-Round Shape (some nuance here esp for hares)

with secondary characteristics being

-Long Feets

-Mischievous little guys

with this philosophy much more can be Bunny than just rabbits. You Too can be Bunny . open your eyes and hearts

i am obsessed with rabbits as always so let's make a rabbit together

Loaves are buy one get one at the bakery today

I will walk into the yarn store. I will behold great and beautiful things. I will buy exactly what I need and nothing more.