How to address people

[Grim]

Can anyone give me information about how to address people the proper way in Japanese (-san, -sama, etc.). I know it has to do with one's social position in relation with yours and one's age vs yours but I just want to see if it's as complex as I think it is. Thanks in advance.

------------------
"Je vous repondrai par la bouche de mes canons"
-Frontenac
(I will answer you with the blast of my canons)
-Trad. libre

[Anssi Hakkinen]

Here is a rather complete essay on the subject.

[Grim]

Thank you Denka Hanssi hakkinen -sama, Knowledge no meijin.

(Hope I get that right, major offense if I don't).

Very complete and complex as I thought it would be. Fun to read (and print & keep).

------------------
"Je vous repondrai par la bouche de mes canons"
-Frontenac
(I will answer you with the blast of my canons)
-Trad. libre

[Anssi Hakkinen]

Just don't cross reference my mutated Japanese with that infromation.

Mr. Anthony J. Bryant's website ( http://www.geocities.com/sengokudaimyo ) is a prime source of information in general - indeed, only second to the unsurpassable Samurai Archives.

[Grim]

You're right about the samurai archives link, I've printed about 2/3 of all the stuff in there. I think I'm beginning to know my Japanese ancient history
If only those guys would stay with their given names and not change every time something affect their lives/social position.

------------------
"Je vous repondrai par la bouche de mes canons"
-Frontenac
(I will answer you with the blast of my canons)
-Trad. libre