2006-06-18 13:46:50 · 10 answers · asked by Cosette 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
They use the informal "tu", just as speakers of English used to use the informal "thou". The English "thou" was the informal, personal form corresponding to the French "tu". However, through the centuries, English speakers came to favor the formal "you" over "thou", and "thou" was eventually dropped from the language. You can stil find it in the King James version of the Bible, though.
Why "tu" or "thou" instead of "vous" or "you"? Because God is our "father" and we supposedly desire a personal relationship with him.
2006-06-18 16:29:07 · answer #1 · answered by magistra_linguae 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps it differs by religion.
My friend, a bilingual speaker of French and English, told me once that the "vous" form is used, out of respect to God as the creator. This was surprising to me, because it is the only language I know of where the formal form is used over the informal. She confessed to me that she often uses the "tu" form anyway, since she feels close to God as her father.
2006-06-19 11:55:54 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use both depending on the respect you have to him, vous is more respectful while tu is informal and friendly
2006-06-18 16:20:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
vous because god is symbolized as a higher being, and tu refers to someone on the same level or lower
hope that helps.. toodles~ <3
2006-06-18 13:49:44 · answer #4 · answered by kara c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Our Father uses "tu" and not "vous", so they use "tu" when they pray.
2006-06-18 14:54:42 · answer #5 · answered by Belindita 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tu. Since God is considered your father, you talk to him with respect.
2006-06-18 14:09:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, they must be using vous as god should be respected, and not thought of as your friend!
2006-06-20 00:47:06 · answer #7 · answered by Ann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vous--it's a sign of respect.
2006-06-19 02:52:13 · answer #8 · answered by emily_rose_4 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tu..
If you do Our Father prayer in french..
The first line is
Notre Pere qui es aux cieux que ton nom soit sanctifie..
If they said Vous it would read "que votre nom soit sanctifie"
And later on it continues to refer to ton/ta...
2006-06-18 14:15:09 · answer #9 · answered by Dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We use "tu" when speaking to God. This is because we speak to God as we would speak to someone that is close to us. The Bible refers to God as our father, and also refers to him as our friend.
2006-06-18 18:55:22 · answer #10 · answered by 2 shy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋