Addressing people

[abis118]

Is it disrespectful to address a teacher or an elder using pronouns such as he or she? Also, is it correct to address President or an Inspector as President sir or Inspector sir? Please comment.

[5jj]

Is it disrespectful to address a teacher or an elder older person using pronouns such as he or she?
Except in very formal royal circles in the past, when it was obligatory to address monarchs in the third person, we never address people with the pronouns 'he' or 'she'. It would be very difficult to address anybody, from Emperor to slave, without using 'you'.

Also, is it correct to address a President or an Inspector as President sir or Inspector sir? Please comment.
Presidents are normally addressed as 'Mr/Madam President'; the use of 'sir.ma'am/madam' is common. (Police) Inspectors are normally adressed by rank, 'Inspector', or rank + name, 'Inspector Postule'. Police officers of lower rank may address them as 'sir/ma'am/madam'.

I expect police inspectors to address me as 'Mr Blank' or 'sir' .

5

[Barb_D]

If the person is in the room, then you should use that person's name.
If you are referring to the person in another setting, then "he" or "she" is okay.

You would never address the person directly at "he" or "she." You would use that person's name.

I've never had a reason to talk to either the president or an inspector, but I would say "Mr. President" and "Inspector" respectively.

Don't add "sir" to the end of someone's title.

[abis118]

Thanks a lot 5JJ and Barb_D.