IN LINE with the current Speak Good English campaign, I suggest
that the organisers look into educating the masses on the proper
terms of address for people as well.
Very often, at places like wet markets, hawker centres and
heartland shops, one can hear the shop or stall owners addressing
men and women who appear to be in their 40s as "uncle" and
"auntie". It is ridiculous to see even middle-aged and elderly
people address these men and women that way.
It is not right, nor respectful, to use these terms so loosely -
by those who are about the same age as the ones addressed.
It is high time we replaced "uncle" and "auntie" with "Mr" or
"Sir", and "Miss" or "Madam". These are more respectful forms of
address and will tie in well with the Speak Good English
campaign.
Kho Puay Hong (Ms)
