242 CultureShock!CultureShock! Chile Chile
Since you have never met your friend’s superior before,
Usted would be used. The superior is also in a high position,
is older, and the pretext for the conversation is business, all
reasons to use Usted.
The spouse should be addressed as tú. Even though you
have not met before, the spouse is married to your friend.
The children should be addressed as tú, as they are a great
deal younger than you.
The parents of your friend would be addressed as Usted.
You have never met them before and they are older. Even if
you were the same approximate age as the parents, it would
be best to use Usted because your connection to them is
through their child.
The maid should be addressed as Usted. Anyone in
service positions should be treated with the respect that
Usted implies.
Remember that the children will probably use Usted
with you, and the parents will probably use tú, even though
you will use the opposite with them. This does not mean
that you should change the form used. Only the parents,
perhaps, after a time, will invite you to tutear, effectively
acknowledging that you are equals. The invitation can only
be extended by the superior, and should not be extended
to children or hired help.SITUATION TWO
You are invited to a party at a Chilean’s house. There are
around 20 people there when you arrive. You only know
five of these people, including the host. As you first enter
the room you:
Go immediately to the people you know, avoiding eye
contact with the strangers, simply saying “Hello” to your
friends.
Greet the host, then work your way around the room
slowly, kissing the right cheek of every person if you are
female, or, if you are male, shaking hands with other
males and kissing the cheek of the females.
Go up to the host, thank him or her for inviting you, and
expect the host to introduce you to the others.