"Hi mate" or "good afternoon, sir"?
I've just come across a very interesting concept.
The T-V Distinction. Whenever I've been helping people out with Spanish / tutoring GCSE etc, I've always plumped for "usted isn't worth learning at this stage; you won't need it". I've suggested that 'usted' is a dying form, and that Spaniards are becoming less and less formal on a day-to-day basis.
The course book provided with my OU module gives a blogger's view, saying that when staying at hotels, 'usted' is how he's addressed, and this, really is the only time it is used. It's interesting to hear, as I've stayed in hotels before, where the staff have referred to me a 'tú'. Perhaps it's because I'm not native? Is it because I'm seen as just a tourist? Who knows. My point is: there is no written rule for TV Distinction in Spanish.
When I worked for Fly Emirates customer service, I regularly used to address the Spanish clients as 'usted'. My friend sitting next to me used 'tú', and seemed to be having a whale of a time finding out about their lives: what they enjoy doing in their free time, how their family is composed, etc. Surely this sells better?
This is just a thought. I have posted a quick survey on Facebook, which reads: Españoles: Cuánto se utiliza 'usted' hoy en día? - I will blog again should anyone reply with interesting feedback!