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Greetings are usually meant to be polite, friendly, and respectful. Yet, sometimes, the way we address someone can become a small source of irritation. In the American TV series Best Medicine, the main character is Dr. Martin Best, but the people around him persist in calling him “Dr. Martin.” It does not cause serious misunderstanding, but it quietly grates on him. The issue is not hostility—it is habit.
I encounter a similar situation in my own teaching life. As an English lecturer, I am often addressed as Mr. Camillus rather than the standard Mr. Ong. This is not wrong in intention, but it is not the conventional form of address in English. Cultural upbringing plays a role here; in Malay, for example, Encik is commonly followed by a first name rather than a surname. Even after repeated clarification, the pattern often continues. It can be mildly annoying—but over time, one learns to live with it.
This is precisely the kind of everyday language issue that makes for meaningful discussion here. If you have ever been called by the “wrong” name or title, or if you are unsure how to address people correctly in English, this is an excellent topic to explore together. Join my English Conversation Class, and bring along your own experiences—because sometimes, learning English begins with learning how to call someone properly.
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