Alfabeto y Sonidos

Titles

We use titles to show respect, indicate social or professional status, and acknowledge someone’s achievements or position. They help in setting the tone for communication, making interactions more formal or respectful. Titles also clarify a person’s role or occupation, aiding in social navigation.

1. Mr. Indicates adult male status, used universally in formal and informal settings.
   • Mr. John Smith
   • Mr. Michael Johnson
   • Mr. David Lee
2. Mrs. Signifies a married woman, traditionally used to acknowledge marital status.
   • Mrs. Emma Thompson
   • Mrs. Sarah Parker
   • Mrs. Rachel Green
3. Ms. A neutral title for women, used regardless of marital status, promoting equality and privacy.
   • Ms. Olivia Martinez
   • Ms. Emily Clark
   • Ms. Sophia Wright
4. Miss Traditionally indicates an unmarried woman, often used in formal settings or when specifying marital status is desired.
   • Miss Isabella Harris
   • Miss Mia Young
   • Miss Ava King
5. Mx. A gender-neutral title, respectful of individuals who do not wish to specify gender or who identify outside traditional gender binaries.
   • Mx. Jordan Reed
   • Mx. Taylor Murphy
   • Mx. Alex Kelly
6. Madam/Madam A formal title for women, especially in leadership roles or when the full name is unknown, used to convey respect in professional settings.
   • Madam Secretary (often used in governmental or official contexts)
   • Madam Chairperson
   • Madam President
7. Dr. Indicates a person with a doctoral degree (Ph.D., M.D., etc.), recognizing academic or professional achievement.
   • Dr. Jane Foster (fictional)
   • Dr. Richard Kimble (fictional)
   • Dr. Meredith Grey (fictional)
8. Prof. Used for professors at colleges or universities, acknowledging their position and expertise in academia.
   • Prof. Charles Xavier (fictional)
   • Prof. Minerva McGonagall (fictional)
   • Prof. Indiana Jones (fictional)
9. Rev. Short for “Reverend,” used for ordained members of the clergy, recognizing their religious leadership and dedication.
   • Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (historical figure, used for illustrative purposes)
   • Rev. Jesse Jackson (real-life example)
   • Rev. Desmond Tutu (real-life example)
10. Hon. Short for “Honorable,” a courtesy title used for certain officials, judges, and dignitaries, reflecting their esteemed position in society.
    • Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (historical figure, used for illustrative purposes)
    • Hon. Sonia Sotomayor (real-life example)
    • Hon. Arnold Schwarzenegger (when serving as Governor, real-life example)

Names

Names started as ways to identify people. Some names came from jobs, like “Smith” for blacksmiths, or from nature, like “Rose.” Over time, names were passed down in families, and sometimes people created new names to be unique.

First Name: The name given at birth or chosen name.
Example: Maria, John

Middle Name: A second name given at birth, sometimes honoring another family member.
Example: Anne (Maria Anne Smith)

Last Name (Family Name or Surname): The family name passed down.
Example: Smith (John Smith)

Second Last Name: In cultures where individuals have both parents’ surnames.
Example: Garcia (John Smith Garcia)

Nickname: A name based on or derived from a person’s given name or traits, used informally.
Example: Liz (for Elizabeth)

Preferred Name: The name a person prefers to go by, which might differ from their given name.
Example: Max (Maxwell prefers Max)

Full Name: Combines the given name, middle name(s) (if any), surname, and second last name (if applicable), representing the complete identity of a person as recognized officially and socially.
Example: Maria Anne Smith Garcia

Study the following:

1. Mr. Alexander James Wilson Garcia, ‘Alex,’ but I prefer AJ.

• Title: Mr.
• First Name: Alexander
• Middle Name: James
• Surname: Wilson
• Second Last Name: Garcia
• Nickname: Alex
• Preferred Name: AJ

Hello! I am Mr. Alexander Wilson. My friends call me Alex. But, I like AJ best. I have two last names, Wilson and Garcia.

2. Dr. Elizabeth Marie Rivera Torres, known as ‘Liz,’ but I go by Beth.

• Title: Dr.
• First Name: Elizabeth
• Middle Name: Marie
• Surname: Rivera
• Second Last Name: Torres
• Nickname: Liz
• Preferred Name: Beth

Hi! My name is Elizabeth. Some people call me Liz. I like Beth more. I am a doctor. I have two last names too, Rivera and Torres.

3. Prof. Christopher Alan Mendez Lopez, ‘Chris,’ but call me Kit.

• Title: Prof.
• First Name: Christopher
• Middle Name: Alan
• Surname: Mendez
• Second Last Name: Lopez
• Nickname: Chris
• Preferred Name: Kit

Hello, I am Prof. Christopher Mendez. People often say Chris. I prefer Kit. My last names are Mendez and Lopez.

4. Mx. Jordan Patrice Clark Smith, ‘JP,’ but I prefer Jordan.

• Title: Mx.
• First Name: Jordan
• Middle Name: Patrice
• Surname: Clark
• Second Last Name: Smith
• Nickname: JP
• Preferred Name: Jordan

Hi! I am MX Jordan Clark. Some friends say JP. But, I like Jordan. ‘Mx.’ is a special title. It means no Mr. or Miss. I have two last names, Clark and Smith.

5. Miss Sophia Isabella Hernandez Ruiz, ‘Sophie,’ but I prefer Isa.

• Title: Miss
• First Name: Sophia
• Middle Name: Isabella
• Surname: Hernandez
• Second Last Name: Ruiz
• Nickname: Sophie
• Preferred Name: Isa

Hello! My name is Miss Sophia Hernandez. Many people call me Sophie. But, I like Isa. I have two last names, Hernandez and Ruiz.

It’s your turn

Title:

First Name:

Middle Name:

Surname:

Second Last Name:

Nickname:

Preferred Name:

Hello! My name is _____ _____ _____. Many people call me _____. But, I like _____. I have two last names, ______ and _____.