How to address the locals

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 18:07

I'm a bit confused at the correct way to address the locals.



For example, some locals refer to me as Mr. Pink, or Mr. Chilli, or just Pink.



When the locals are talking with me, they refer to each other only by their first name, i.e. Mustapha is buying the next round, or Mehmet, do you want a game of backgammon?



My confusion is when they speak about another local in the 3rd person. For example, they say, will you play backgammon with Mr. Mustapha, or Mr Mehmet wants to know what you want to drink. They always add "Mr" before the first name.



Should I address the locals as Mr Mehmet, or just Mehmet. It's very confusing. I have always referred to the locals in the 3rd person as Mr Mustapha, etc, as this seems what everyone does.



Then how do I address the wives and mistresses?

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 18:10

In my 'locals' I always started off by asking for a pint!



Richard

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
13/08/2009 18:28

It is Mustafa Bey if he is older than you or if he is not your friend.

Same applies to ladies if you know their name i.e. Hatice hanim etc. If you do not know her name, the usual form of address is "Hanimefendi" in the formal way or "Yenge hanim" which is less formal and if you wish to sound more friendly just "Yenge".

ismet

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 10:43

Is it OK to refer to my neighbours as "Komshu" (spelling?)? I find this is easier than remembering names and/or whether they are older than me.

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:04

Vaughan,

That is fine as long as they are your komşu.

ismet

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:04

Vaughan, please let me know what this means.



Thanks

stellasstar1



Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 1519

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:05

Well Vaughan, what would you think if all your neighbours referred to you as neighbour in England because they couldn't remember your name? Once introduced I just keep saying a persons name over and over in my head in the vague hope I might remember it. 9 times out of 10 I don't and have to ask again, but as most people will have forgotten mine as well, no one seems to take offence. Our names are hard to remember for them as theirs are hard for us to remember. I have enough trouble remembering English names.



I think though, going back to the orignal question, that most Cypriots who mix with the English know that we refer to each other differently to them, and everyone I meet seems ok with me just using their first name as they do to me.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:13

pinkchilli,

If in doubt - GOOGLE it! - see: -

http://www.google.co.uk/translate_t?text=kom%C5%9Fu&sl=tr&tl=en&hl=en&ei=PhyFSt-3BsT5_AbFh8GWBw&sa=X&oi=translation&ct=result#

Keith.

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:34

Komshou=Neighbour

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 11:36

Thanks to Keith and Yorgozlu.



Simples.

cyprusfox


Joined: 13/08/2008
Posts: 119

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 09:19

How do you address a local who cuts you up when driving, particularly at roundabouts

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 09:38

Message 11, size beceriksiz aptal..............

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 09:58

The locals I meet and know all want to practise their English.

jupiter


Joined: 02/08/2009
Posts: 16

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 10:27

If you do learn a bit of Turkish and use it the local people will be very surprised and many are willing to speak to you in Turkish. V good for practice.

maningi pusa


Joined: 07/09/2008
Posts: 120

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 10:33

message 11 ---"windgat!"

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 12:15

My Lonely Planet Turkish Phrasebook gives the following information:



Eşşoğlu eşek, 'son of a donkey', is the very first offensive remark that pops from a Turkish car-driver's mouth if he (or she) perceives he's been wronged on the road.

Since he/she always perceives such wrongdoing, it may be heard on every road at every hour of the day and night, as Turks constantly compete with each other to win the 'Road Rudness Award'. It is stunning how a people who are so friendly, kind and courteous ' on dry land' can become the complete opposite when they get behind the wheel of a car. Turkey actually posts large roadside signs imploring drivers to 'Control the Traffic Monster Inside You!'



So there you go - now you have a short phrase that is common and can be used - at your peril of course!



Me, I just yell out "Check the glove box" and if I get asked why I just tell them that is where the will find the driving license, sold with every car!!!!!

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
16/08/2009 16:53

msg 11

W..............................................................................ANKER,is how I address to them



msg 12

"Seni beceriksiz aptal",is a better way of saying it within grammer rules.

But please dont think I'm critisizing you,my english isint perfect either.