I raise a concern that I constantly come across in writings from the Solomon Islands, whether in newspaper articles, official press releases or brief posts that are circulated on social media.
I don’t know whether the constant use of a person’s surname is considered a cultural matter or not but personally I feel it rather impolite, even rude.
I will give an illustration of my meaning.
Dr. Culwick Togamara is frequently quoted in the local media, and naturally enough given his responsibility as Minister of Health at a time of the current Covid- 19 pandemic in the country.
Many articles I have read commence by saying Dr. Culwick Togamara, beginning with his correct form of salutation but then progress by saying Togamara said, or Togamara did this or that and thereafter he is referred to his surname only.
The same style of address is often used when writing about the Prime Minister and other officials in public life or in business.
I was brought up to understand that one should not call someone by their last name without some type of salutation, such as Mister, MRS, Miss, Doctor, Minister, etc.
Am I simply too sensitive to the frequent use of only a surname in correspondence?
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
