Polite Form of Address

In most English-speaking countries, we don't usually use the profession as a form of address. That is, we don't say "Engineer Jones" or "Teacher Smith" or "Art Director Kidd."

In politics, we say "Mr. President" or "Madam Mayor" but not "Mr. President Obama" or "Madam Mayor Jones." In other professions, we usually don't. (I'm sure someone will show me other examples, but "art director" is

Thanks for your reply, Grammar Geek. But,huh? Calling surnname only is rude?? I remember I heard it in many occasions that people call Yao Ming as Yao... Do they regard Yao as his first name then?

There is a difference between what you call someone in a personal conversation or correspondence and how you refer to that person in the newspaper. In journalism, usually only the "last" name is used. ("Last" meaning family name.)

Your art director, if he received an award, would be referred to as Michael Kidd the first time and just as "Kidd" in subsequent references.

Oh, so that it is. Otherwise, did I confused family name with surname? I think they are same and all mean to last name.

By the way, for the name Michael and Mike, can all the people whose first name is Michael be called Mike?

SeekerSFNOh, so that it is. Otherwise, did I confused family name with surname? I think they are same and all mean to last name.By the way, for the name Michael and Mike, can all the people whose first name is Michael be called Mike?

Sorry, I meant to" so that's it".

Many choose to, but you can't assume it.

I know two different people named "Catherine" who do NOT wish to be called "Cathy."
As a "Barbara" I am often either "Barb" or "Barbara" but do NOT want you to call me "Barbie."

Um, I get it about the nickname thing now. Many personal preferance can affect this kind of form of addresses.

But can you cite some example of when one's surname is different from last name? And as long as you intent to alternate a calling of last name, you'd better use family name rather than surname, right?

In the West, our family name is our surname, but we are aware that in other countries, the family name comes first.

Perhaps I am mistaken in thinking that "sur" is more closely associated with "last" than with "family."

So that's it... While I thought "sur" was more closely associated with " family".

Thank you very much!

SeekerSFNBut can you cite some example of when one's surname is different from last name?

Ah, I find it that the question should be asked as" can you cite some example of when one's surname is different from family name".

Anyway, you answered it precisely according to my correct thought. And I've already known it.