[Albion Wilde]

I did not know that, thanks! Never got past Spanish 2 in h.s.. Did French 3 in h.s., 2 semesters of college French, and Italian 1 thru 3 in college. So very glad I traveled in Europe before the invasion. The first time someone in Italy called me "la (first name)" when referring to me, I felt so honored!

[Tax-chick]

I’ve noticed it in books, but not really caught on to the details of the usage. I haven’t noticed it in conversation. Among our church people, when a person refers to another it’s usually as “la hermana Lourdes” or “el Senor Pablo” or “ese cristiano, Luis.” I think the latter is particularly charming.