How To Address the Teacher?

By Yaron Seidman

 

One subject with numerous misunderstandings is how should we address our teachers. In Chinese tradition the teacher is a figure of great importance. He is the person responsible for leading the students in the right direction, into progress and development. The teacher is cherished by his students, and the students in turn are loved by their teacher. The relationship between the teacher and his students is mutually caring and supporting. 

 

Over the centuries the Chinese culture has developed to a great accomplishment, mainly thanks to the teacher-student relationship. In our system "Chen Style Xinyi Hunyuan Taijiquan" we believe greatly in the traditional teacher-student relationship of all its aspects. At an initial stage the appropriate addressing of each other is the basis for further development of this deep and magnificent relationship. Following I will describe the appropriate addressing of the teacher, when talking to him directly or talking about him with a third party.

 

Let me use master Chen Zhonghua as an example.

  • A student, who is interested in studying from master Chen Zhonghua, however hasn't started yet his study, will call him Mr. Chen. 
  • A student who has begun his study will call him Master Chen. 
  • A student who is at an advanced level and/or is an authorized instructor or assistant instructor will call him Chen Lao Shi. 
  • A student will call his teacher Grandmaster Feng (Feng Shigong) and Grandmaster Hong (Hong Shigong). 
  • A Disciple will call him Shifu. 
  • A disciple will call his Shifu; Shigong (without the family name).
  • The teacher calls his yet to become a student (hasn't started yet) Mr. "Name" if his age exceeds the teacher's age. 
  • The teacher calls all his other students and disciples by their first name.

Without appropriate addressing the teacher-student relationship will find many obstacles in its development. I would like to grasp on this opportunity to encourage all my fellow students and Taiji Brothers/Sisters to learn the right addressing for our teacher, so that our school can prosper as the Chinese Culture has.

 

If you have any questions please email me at info@taijichinesemedicine.com

Yaron Seidman
March 13th 2001, 
New York 

 

 

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