ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1523
PERSONAL PRONOUNS AS A MEANS OF EXPRESSING THE CATEGORY OF
RESPECT
(in French language material)
Dolieva Laylo Buriboevna
Doctor of Philosophy in Philological Sciences
Teacher of Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.
Shejauddin Hanif
Teacher of Sar-e-Pul Higher Educational Institution in Afghanistan.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15305306
Abstract.
This article examines the linguistic and cultural aspects of expressing respect in
the French language, particularly through personal pronouns. It highlights the roles of
"vous"
and
"tu"
in formal and informal communication, illustrating their significance in social
interactions. Additionally, the study explores how French fairy tales reflect respect through
honorifics and pronoun usage, shaping the etiquette of dialogue. The findings emphasize the
importance of these linguistic elements in maintaining politeness and hierarchical distinctions
within conversations.
Key words:
respect, pronouns, formal communication, speech etiquette, social
interaction.
ЛИЧНЫЕ МЕСТОИМЕНИЯ КАК СРЕДСТВО ВЫРАЖЕНИЯ КАТЕГОРИИ
УВАЖЕНИЯ
(в материалах на французском языке)
Аннотация.
В этой статье рассматриваются лингвистические и культурные
аспекты выражения уважения во французском языке, в частности, посредством личных
местоимений. В ней подчеркивается роль «vous» и «tu» в формальном и неформальном
общении, иллюстрируя их значимость в социальных взаимодействиях. Кроме того, в
исследовании изучается, как французские сказки отражают уважение через вежливость
и использование местоимений, формируя этикет диалога. Результаты подчеркивают
важность этих языковых элементов в поддержании вежливости и иерархических
различий в разговорах.
Ключевые слова:
уважение, местоимения, формальное общение, речевой этикет,
социальное взаимодействие.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1524
Introduction:
The category of respect, considered as a holistic system, encompasses
linguistic and non-linguistic forms of interpersonal communication. Respect and reverence
expressed in linguistic and non-linguistic forms are not limited to the attitudes of younger
individuals toward elders or those with higher social status and rank, but also reflect the behavior
of elders toward younger individuals and those with lower social positions or ranks. Therefore,
the study of the category of respect involves an interdisciplinary approach, integrating
linguistics, culture, history, and society.
These interactions manifest in linguistic and paralinguistic forms, which, in turn, are
further divided into specific subcategories based on their characteristics. Linguistic expressions
of respect include morphological, lexical, and syntactic-stylistic structures.
Method and materials
: In the French language, morphological characteristics play a key
role in expressing respect. Among the parts of speech, pronouns hold significant importance in
conveying respect. Pronouns, unlike independent meaningful words, do not denote a person,
object, attribute, or quantity directly. Instead, they are used as references through indication. In
other words, pronouns fulfill a
deictic
function (the term
deictic
originates from the Latin
deictis
,
meaning “to show” or “to indicate”) [1]. This part of speech exists in all languages, making it a
linguistic universal.
Respect and politeness are essential communicative aspects in every language. In French,
pronouns (
pronoms
) have particular importance in expressing respect, playing a vital role not
only in grammar but also in the culture of communication. This section examines the functions
of pronouns in expressing respect within French fairy tales and their role in social discourse.
Result and discussion:
There are distinct features in the use of personal pronouns that
indicate respect. When pronouns refer to individuals, they sometimes extend beyond their literal
meaning. In this form, pronouns typically used for singular individuals are applied in plural form
to express respect. This phenomenon can be described as the shift of person for respect. Linguist
Sh. Safarov refers to this shift as functional displacement [2].
In French, expressing respect through personal pronouns is a common linguistic feature.
The pronouns "vous" and "tu" play a crucial role in determining the level of respect in
communication:
Respectful
Pronoun
Meaning
Example from a French Fairy Tale
Vous
Formal address,
expressing
"Comment allez-vous, Monsieur?"
("How are you,
sir?") – In Charles Perrault’s
Le Chat Botté
(
Puss
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1525
respect
in Boots
), the cat uses "vous" when speaking on
behalf of Marquis de Carabas to the king,
demonstrating respect.
Tu
Informal address,
used for close
relationships
"Comment vas-tu?"
("How are you?") – In
Cendrillon
(
Cinderella
), the pronoun "tu" is used in
a conversation between Cinderella and her fairy
godmother, as they have a close relationship.
When it is necessary to express respect, especially in formal conversations, it is important
to use "vous". In a business environment, when talking to teachers and elders, the pronoun
"vous" is also used.
In French, pronouns are often used as part of respectful addresses:
Words such as Monsieur, Madame, Mademoiselle are often used with the pronoun vous.
For example: "Puis-je vous aider, Madame?" (May I help you, Madam?) - in the fairy tale
"La Belle et la Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), Beauty addresses the Beast respectfully.
In French fairy tales, showing respect is an integral part of the usual speech culture.
Personal pronouns are used in different constructions to express respect in different ways.
Pronouns and addresses expressing respect, when used together, express the following
meanings:
Fairy
Tale
Example
Expression of Respect
Additional Respectful
Elements
La Belle
au Bois
Dormant
Que faites-vous là,
ma bonne femme?
In this sentence, the use of the
pronoun
"vous"
signifies
respect and formal
communication.
The phrase
"Ma bonne
femme"
expresses
affection and reverence.
La Barbe
Bleue
Encore un moment,
s’il vous plaît.
It is widely used in formal
conversations and demonstrates
attentive interaction.
The phrase
"S’il vous
plaît"
is used to make a
polite request.
Le Chat
Botté
Voyons les dedans,
s’il vous plaît
It is used to soften the tone of a
command and emphasize
respect.
In this sentence,
"S’il
vous plaît"
again
appears as a respectful
request form.
Expressing respect through personal pronouns – The French language uses the pronoun
“vous” to express respect. It is especially used for formal and respectful treatment.
Forms of respectful requests – the phrase “S’il vous plaît” – are of great importance. This
phrase makes the address more polite and respectful.
ISSN:
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2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
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Phrases expressing kindness and respect are used to soften the tone of commands and
ensure sincerity.
These phrases are linguistic means that ensure respect and attention between people in
French speech culture. In particular, fairy-tale characters use forms of mutual respect to bring
communication to a polite and socially acceptable level.
In general, expressing respect in French relies not only on pronouns, but also on special
phraseological expressions, which are an important part of language culture.
In some examples, respect is expressed through the pronoun vous and adjectives, praise.
This case occurs in the fairy tale "Les Fées" by Charles Perrault:
Example
Combined Elements
Explanation
Vous êtes si belle, si bonne,
si honnête.
In this sentence, the
adjectives
"si belle," "si
bonne," "si honnête"
express respect.
This is a classic way of
conveying politeness and
sincere regard.
Hélas, Monsieur, c’est ma
mère qui m’a chassée.
The address
"Monsieur"
signifies respect,
acknowledging the
individual.
It is typically used when
addressing strangers or
elderly individuals.
In general, adjectives and forms of address are one of the main means of showing respect
in French. This shows the place of the language in the culture of speech and how it reflects
respect in communication between people.
In fairy tales, pronouns can also be used with a cautious tone and recognition that express
respect:
Fairy Tale
Name
Example
Explanation
Le Petit
Pantoufle de
Verre
Hélas Mesdemoiselles, vous
vous moquez de moi.
"Mesdemoiselles" is used to address young
women and is a sign of respect. "Vous vous
moquez de moi" is a formal tone of voice that
expresses disappointment, which is also
polite.
Riquet à la
Houppe
Ne vous affligez point,
Madame.
The address "Madame" is a classic form of
respect.
The phrase "Ne vous affligez point" came to
be used as a respectful expression of
sympathy and sympathy.
Cela vous plaît à dire,
The address "Monsieur" emphasizes respect
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
1527
Monsieur.
and makes the tone formal and polite.
Je souhaite de tout mon cœur
que vous deveniez princesse.
In this sentence, the phrase "Je souhaite de
tout mon cœur" (I wish with all my heart) is
used as a polite form of speech expressing
sincere respect and desire.
As this table shows, forms of address, politeness, and sincere attention play an important
role in expressing respect in French. This is one of the subtleties of language culture, making
communication between people warmer and more sincere.
In fairy tales, personal pronouns can also be used with units of respect, expressing
kindness:
Que faites-vous, ma belle?"
The address "Ma belle" is a form of affectionate and respectful address. At the same time,
it indicates a close and sincere relationship.
These examples are one of the important aspects of the speech culture of French fairy
tales. Respect plays an important role not only as a formal form of address, but also as an
expression of personal attention and recognition.
Conclusion
. In French fairy tales, the category of respect is an important component of
language culture, which is manifested through linguistic, morphological and syntactic-stylistic
means. In particular, with the help of personal pronouns, respect is expressed in a respectful and
elegant way. The pronoun "vous" is used for formal and respectful address, while the pronoun
"tu" is used in close relationships. The use of these pronouns depends on the status, age level or
social status of the interlocutor. Vous - emphasizes respect and formality. Tu - expresses
sincerity and informal communication. Personal pronouns in French fairy tales are important
means of expressing respect. These elements shape the culture of communication between the
characters, emphasizing gentleness and consideration.
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Ахманова О.С. Словарь лингвистических терминов. Москва, 1966.
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“White” Colour (in the example of the French and Uzbek languages) // Journal of Positive
School Psychology 2022, Vol.6, No.4. 9550 – 9560.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 4 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
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