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What differences in email politeness exist for India?
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I have a business contact in India, whom I do not know personally. Let's assume my name is Tobias Smith and my contact is Raj Singh.
I initially addressed him by first name, as I was told this is usual (Dear Raj / Hello Raj), and signed with: Regards, Tobias Smith.
He now keeps adressing me "Mr. Tobias".
Not being a native english speaker I now wonder if I unwittingly insulted him or if he just does not know which is my given name.
My questions:
- Are there any differences in how I should approach emails to those in India (ways to introduce myself, etc)?
- Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name so he does not refer to me as "Mr. Tobias"
We're both techies, at about the same level in our companies, if that makes any difference.
email india
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 16 '16 at 10:03
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
I have a business contact in India, whom I do not know personally. Let's assume my name is Tobias Smith and my contact is Raj Singh.
I initially addressed him by first name, as I was told this is usual (Dear Raj / Hello Raj), and signed with: Regards, Tobias Smith.
He now keeps adressing me "Mr. Tobias".
Not being a native english speaker I now wonder if I unwittingly insulted him or if he just does not know which is my given name.
My questions:
- Are there any differences in how I should approach emails to those in India (ways to introduce myself, etc)?
- Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name so he does not refer to me as "Mr. Tobias"
We're both techies, at about the same level in our companies, if that makes any difference.
email india
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 16 '16 at 10:03
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
3
Mr (First Name) is common in some countries, so that aspect, at least, may simply be cultural.
– Lawrence
Mar 16 '16 at 10:02
1
Voting to close as too broad / opinion based to reject migration. Question is ill-defined and could simply be the result of different cultural norms as pointed out by Lawrence's comment. Question is not of high enough quality to justify migration. OP should create a new question here if he wants to ask about salutations in Indian business emails.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 16 '16 at 10:33
1
"Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name" - You can say something like "Just call me Tobias."
– Brandin
Mar 16 '16 at 11:15
1
I reorganized and rewrote this a fair bit to make it more on topic and focus on the cultural/email aspect, which is a better fit for The Workplace.
– Elysian Fields♦
Mar 16 '16 at 12:31
1
Don't know about India, but at least here in Brazil it is common to call people Mr. First Name.
– GustavoMP
Mar 16 '16 at 13:15
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
I have a business contact in India, whom I do not know personally. Let's assume my name is Tobias Smith and my contact is Raj Singh.
I initially addressed him by first name, as I was told this is usual (Dear Raj / Hello Raj), and signed with: Regards, Tobias Smith.
He now keeps adressing me "Mr. Tobias".
Not being a native english speaker I now wonder if I unwittingly insulted him or if he just does not know which is my given name.
My questions:
- Are there any differences in how I should approach emails to those in India (ways to introduce myself, etc)?
- Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name so he does not refer to me as "Mr. Tobias"
We're both techies, at about the same level in our companies, if that makes any difference.
email india
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
I have a business contact in India, whom I do not know personally. Let's assume my name is Tobias Smith and my contact is Raj Singh.
I initially addressed him by first name, as I was told this is usual (Dear Raj / Hello Raj), and signed with: Regards, Tobias Smith.
He now keeps adressing me "Mr. Tobias".
Not being a native english speaker I now wonder if I unwittingly insulted him or if he just does not know which is my given name.
My questions:
- Are there any differences in how I should approach emails to those in India (ways to introduce myself, etc)?
- Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name so he does not refer to me as "Mr. Tobias"
We're both techies, at about the same level in our companies, if that makes any difference.
email india
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
edited Mar 16 '16 at 12:30
Elysian Fields♦
96.7k46292449
96.7k46292449
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
asked Mar 16 '16 at 9:52
TobiM
314
314
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 16 '16 at 10:03
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
migrated from english.stackexchange.com Mar 16 '16 at 10:03
This question came from our site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts.
3
Mr (First Name) is common in some countries, so that aspect, at least, may simply be cultural.
– Lawrence
Mar 16 '16 at 10:02
1
Voting to close as too broad / opinion based to reject migration. Question is ill-defined and could simply be the result of different cultural norms as pointed out by Lawrence's comment. Question is not of high enough quality to justify migration. OP should create a new question here if he wants to ask about salutations in Indian business emails.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 16 '16 at 10:33
1
"Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name" - You can say something like "Just call me Tobias."
– Brandin
Mar 16 '16 at 11:15
1
I reorganized and rewrote this a fair bit to make it more on topic and focus on the cultural/email aspect, which is a better fit for The Workplace.
– Elysian Fields♦
Mar 16 '16 at 12:31
1
Don't know about India, but at least here in Brazil it is common to call people Mr. First Name.
– GustavoMP
Mar 16 '16 at 13:15
 |Â
show 3 more comments
3
Mr (First Name) is common in some countries, so that aspect, at least, may simply be cultural.
– Lawrence
Mar 16 '16 at 10:02
1
Voting to close as too broad / opinion based to reject migration. Question is ill-defined and could simply be the result of different cultural norms as pointed out by Lawrence's comment. Question is not of high enough quality to justify migration. OP should create a new question here if he wants to ask about salutations in Indian business emails.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 16 '16 at 10:33
1
"Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name" - You can say something like "Just call me Tobias."
– Brandin
Mar 16 '16 at 11:15
1
I reorganized and rewrote this a fair bit to make it more on topic and focus on the cultural/email aspect, which is a better fit for The Workplace.
– Elysian Fields♦
Mar 16 '16 at 12:31
1
Don't know about India, but at least here in Brazil it is common to call people Mr. First Name.
– GustavoMP
Mar 16 '16 at 13:15
3
3
Mr (First Name) is common in some countries, so that aspect, at least, may simply be cultural.
– Lawrence
Mar 16 '16 at 10:02
Mr (First Name) is common in some countries, so that aspect, at least, may simply be cultural.
– Lawrence
Mar 16 '16 at 10:02
1
1
Voting to close as too broad / opinion based to reject migration. Question is ill-defined and could simply be the result of different cultural norms as pointed out by Lawrence's comment. Question is not of high enough quality to justify migration. OP should create a new question here if he wants to ask about salutations in Indian business emails.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 16 '16 at 10:33
Voting to close as too broad / opinion based to reject migration. Question is ill-defined and could simply be the result of different cultural norms as pointed out by Lawrence's comment. Question is not of high enough quality to justify migration. OP should create a new question here if he wants to ask about salutations in Indian business emails.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 16 '16 at 10:33
1
1
"Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name" - You can say something like "Just call me Tobias."
– Brandin
Mar 16 '16 at 11:15
"Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name" - You can say something like "Just call me Tobias."
– Brandin
Mar 16 '16 at 11:15
1
1
I reorganized and rewrote this a fair bit to make it more on topic and focus on the cultural/email aspect, which is a better fit for The Workplace.
– Elysian Fields♦
Mar 16 '16 at 12:31
I reorganized and rewrote this a fair bit to make it more on topic and focus on the cultural/email aspect, which is a better fit for The Workplace.
– Elysian Fields♦
Mar 16 '16 at 12:31
1
1
Don't know about India, but at least here in Brazil it is common to call people Mr. First Name.
– GustavoMP
Mar 16 '16 at 13:15
Don't know about India, but at least here in Brazil it is common to call people Mr. First Name.
– GustavoMP
Mar 16 '16 at 13:15
 |Â
show 3 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
1) How to politely address him and 2) Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name.
1) You are already politely addressing him, unless he expresses a preference for another form of address then no need to worry about it. As far as I know Indians do not have a problem with being addressed by the first name (I'm not Indian but none have ever said anything).
2) Just ask him to address you by your first name if you want him to. There's nothing wrong with that. "Please call me Tobias."
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
This is fairly common in a lot of Asian countries - this is due to the fact that some places, your Firstname might actually be your 'last name' so to say..
I wouldn't really put anything into it if I were you. Mr. "Firstname" is quite common and I doubt there's an ulterior motive behind it. On the contrary, I'd say it would be inappropriate, you and him being at the same level, correcting him and asking him to call you Mr. "Lastname"..
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
1
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I'm an Indian so I can shed some light on this for you.
It is very common here to address superiors as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as it is seen as a sign of respect. I've even seen emails where a superior has been addressed as "Mr. XYZ Sir"! Some older people (yes, older, not necessarily a superior) take offense if they're addressed by just their name or even as "Mr. XYZ".
Of course this is reducing and most communication is informal, especially with the younger generation (<35 years). Start ups tend to frown upon such formality, so it also depends on the company culture.
Another fact to consider is that your contact may not be familiar with the norms and customs of your country and may be playing it safe. I've been in similar situations where I'm confused about the correct way to address a person. American TV and movie characters have a line "Please, call me First Name". It gives me the impression that I have to call a person "Mr. Last Name" till they feel comfortable enough around me. So this may be a factor if your contact hasn't spent a considerable amount of time in your country.
Like @kilisi said, you may want to tell your contact that it's okay to address you by just your first name or ignore it altogether.
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
1) How to politely address him and 2) Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name.
1) You are already politely addressing him, unless he expresses a preference for another form of address then no need to worry about it. As far as I know Indians do not have a problem with being addressed by the first name (I'm not Indian but none have ever said anything).
2) Just ask him to address you by your first name if you want him to. There's nothing wrong with that. "Please call me Tobias."
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
1) How to politely address him and 2) Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name.
1) You are already politely addressing him, unless he expresses a preference for another form of address then no need to worry about it. As far as I know Indians do not have a problem with being addressed by the first name (I'm not Indian but none have ever said anything).
2) Just ask him to address you by your first name if you want him to. There's nothing wrong with that. "Please call me Tobias."
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
1) How to politely address him and 2) Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name.
1) You are already politely addressing him, unless he expresses a preference for another form of address then no need to worry about it. As far as I know Indians do not have a problem with being addressed by the first name (I'm not Indian but none have ever said anything).
2) Just ask him to address you by your first name if you want him to. There's nothing wrong with that. "Please call me Tobias."
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
1) How to politely address him and 2) Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name.
1) You are already politely addressing him, unless he expresses a preference for another form of address then no need to worry about it. As far as I know Indians do not have a problem with being addressed by the first name (I'm not Indian but none have ever said anything).
2) Just ask him to address you by your first name if you want him to. There's nothing wrong with that. "Please call me Tobias."
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:32
Kilisi
94.6k50216376
94.6k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
This is fairly common in a lot of Asian countries - this is due to the fact that some places, your Firstname might actually be your 'last name' so to say..
I wouldn't really put anything into it if I were you. Mr. "Firstname" is quite common and I doubt there's an ulterior motive behind it. On the contrary, I'd say it would be inappropriate, you and him being at the same level, correcting him and asking him to call you Mr. "Lastname"..
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
1
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
This is fairly common in a lot of Asian countries - this is due to the fact that some places, your Firstname might actually be your 'last name' so to say..
I wouldn't really put anything into it if I were you. Mr. "Firstname" is quite common and I doubt there's an ulterior motive behind it. On the contrary, I'd say it would be inappropriate, you and him being at the same level, correcting him and asking him to call you Mr. "Lastname"..
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
1
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
This is fairly common in a lot of Asian countries - this is due to the fact that some places, your Firstname might actually be your 'last name' so to say..
I wouldn't really put anything into it if I were you. Mr. "Firstname" is quite common and I doubt there's an ulterior motive behind it. On the contrary, I'd say it would be inappropriate, you and him being at the same level, correcting him and asking him to call you Mr. "Lastname"..
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
This is fairly common in a lot of Asian countries - this is due to the fact that some places, your Firstname might actually be your 'last name' so to say..
I wouldn't really put anything into it if I were you. Mr. "Firstname" is quite common and I doubt there's an ulterior motive behind it. On the contrary, I'd say it would be inappropriate, you and him being at the same level, correcting him and asking him to call you Mr. "Lastname"..
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
answered Mar 16 '16 at 12:55
cbll
82736
82736
1
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
suggest improvements |Â
1
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
1
1
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
Thank you for clarifying the "Mr. Firstname". I was not intending to ask him to address my by my last name (though that is common here in Germany), I'd rather want to be addressed first name only.
– TobiM
Mar 16 '16 at 13:33
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
In that case, you should - in my mind - accept that a lot of asian countries are very formal. I'm Danish and can relate - calling anyone "Mr." here is quite uncommon, and I can imagine - the same in Germany. However, it's very different in Asia - amongst that, India, where they'd rather show too much respect than too little, and they have a more conservative/formal communication culture - if that makes sense.
– cbll
Mar 16 '16 at 13:44
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
And here in the USA, we think Europe is formal. I'm of German descent with family still there. But yes, in many countries in Asia, the misuse of a pronoun, or failing to use the proper amount of deference can be very offensive. Add to the mix that in India specifically, it is a big thing in the culture to not offend a person, so they will often use more deference than necessary, just to be safe, until invited to do otherwise.
– Richard U
Mar 16 '16 at 18:26
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
We have the same sort of formality here, with the addition that some people are chiefs and need to be addressed a certain way depending on the senders status, but that's amongst ourselves. When dealing with outsiders we don't get offended if the outsider uses a different convention. I assume that Indians are the same because I've never had one complain. And I don't get offended if an outsider doesn't use my full title.
– Kilisi
Mar 17 '16 at 5:00
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I'm an Indian so I can shed some light on this for you.
It is very common here to address superiors as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as it is seen as a sign of respect. I've even seen emails where a superior has been addressed as "Mr. XYZ Sir"! Some older people (yes, older, not necessarily a superior) take offense if they're addressed by just their name or even as "Mr. XYZ".
Of course this is reducing and most communication is informal, especially with the younger generation (<35 years). Start ups tend to frown upon such formality, so it also depends on the company culture.
Another fact to consider is that your contact may not be familiar with the norms and customs of your country and may be playing it safe. I've been in similar situations where I'm confused about the correct way to address a person. American TV and movie characters have a line "Please, call me First Name". It gives me the impression that I have to call a person "Mr. Last Name" till they feel comfortable enough around me. So this may be a factor if your contact hasn't spent a considerable amount of time in your country.
Like @kilisi said, you may want to tell your contact that it's okay to address you by just your first name or ignore it altogether.
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I'm an Indian so I can shed some light on this for you.
It is very common here to address superiors as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as it is seen as a sign of respect. I've even seen emails where a superior has been addressed as "Mr. XYZ Sir"! Some older people (yes, older, not necessarily a superior) take offense if they're addressed by just their name or even as "Mr. XYZ".
Of course this is reducing and most communication is informal, especially with the younger generation (<35 years). Start ups tend to frown upon such formality, so it also depends on the company culture.
Another fact to consider is that your contact may not be familiar with the norms and customs of your country and may be playing it safe. I've been in similar situations where I'm confused about the correct way to address a person. American TV and movie characters have a line "Please, call me First Name". It gives me the impression that I have to call a person "Mr. Last Name" till they feel comfortable enough around me. So this may be a factor if your contact hasn't spent a considerable amount of time in your country.
Like @kilisi said, you may want to tell your contact that it's okay to address you by just your first name or ignore it altogether.
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I'm an Indian so I can shed some light on this for you.
It is very common here to address superiors as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as it is seen as a sign of respect. I've even seen emails where a superior has been addressed as "Mr. XYZ Sir"! Some older people (yes, older, not necessarily a superior) take offense if they're addressed by just their name or even as "Mr. XYZ".
Of course this is reducing and most communication is informal, especially with the younger generation (<35 years). Start ups tend to frown upon such formality, so it also depends on the company culture.
Another fact to consider is that your contact may not be familiar with the norms and customs of your country and may be playing it safe. I've been in similar situations where I'm confused about the correct way to address a person. American TV and movie characters have a line "Please, call me First Name". It gives me the impression that I have to call a person "Mr. Last Name" till they feel comfortable enough around me. So this may be a factor if your contact hasn't spent a considerable amount of time in your country.
Like @kilisi said, you may want to tell your contact that it's okay to address you by just your first name or ignore it altogether.
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
I'm an Indian so I can shed some light on this for you.
It is very common here to address superiors as "Sir" or "Ma'am" as it is seen as a sign of respect. I've even seen emails where a superior has been addressed as "Mr. XYZ Sir"! Some older people (yes, older, not necessarily a superior) take offense if they're addressed by just their name or even as "Mr. XYZ".
Of course this is reducing and most communication is informal, especially with the younger generation (<35 years). Start ups tend to frown upon such formality, so it also depends on the company culture.
Another fact to consider is that your contact may not be familiar with the norms and customs of your country and may be playing it safe. I've been in similar situations where I'm confused about the correct way to address a person. American TV and movie characters have a line "Please, call me First Name". It gives me the impression that I have to call a person "Mr. Last Name" till they feel comfortable enough around me. So this may be a factor if your contact hasn't spent a considerable amount of time in your country.
Like @kilisi said, you may want to tell your contact that it's okay to address you by just your first name or ignore it altogether.
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
answered Oct 3 '16 at 4:39
rohithpr
1313
1313
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
suggest improvements |Â
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
In English usage (uk, comonwealth and usa) you only ever say Mr Last Name ie their surname or family name, using Mr First Name would seen be as odd.
– Pepone
Oct 3 '16 at 23:02
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
@Pepone: except for teachers of younger children...
– jmoreno
Oct 4 '16 at 2:48
suggest improvements |Â
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3
Mr (First Name) is common in some countries, so that aspect, at least, may simply be cultural.
– Lawrence
Mar 16 '16 at 10:02
1
Voting to close as too broad / opinion based to reject migration. Question is ill-defined and could simply be the result of different cultural norms as pointed out by Lawrence's comment. Question is not of high enough quality to justify migration. OP should create a new question here if he wants to ask about salutations in Indian business emails.
– Lilienthal♦
Mar 16 '16 at 10:33
1
"Assuming it is an error, how to politely make him aware of my given name" - You can say something like "Just call me Tobias."
– Brandin
Mar 16 '16 at 11:15
1
I reorganized and rewrote this a fair bit to make it more on topic and focus on the cultural/email aspect, which is a better fit for The Workplace.
– Elysian Fields♦
Mar 16 '16 at 12:31
1
Don't know about India, but at least here in Brazil it is common to call people Mr. First Name.
– GustavoMP
Mar 16 '16 at 13:15