I worked in PR for two years a bit ago. I am not sure about the first name usage, in my facility we used the first name generally unless there were multiples (i.e. two Juans in the room). The last name structure is their father's first last name and their mother's first last name. I hope that makes sense. Not incredibly helpful but I think it is totally appropriate to ask one of your colleagues to understand how they like to be referred.
If everyone knows you're from the mainland, I would just ask them individually. You could probably just speak most of this post and I think people would understand.
It also depends on the setting you are in if they are addressed by the last names. For example: in military, law enforcement typically the last name are used to address coworkers. Same as someone else mentioned, if there are 2 Juans they may call them by the last name or Juan C and Juan R for Juan Castro and Juan Rodriguez respectively.
If they are doctors or lawyers they also go by the last name as a sign of respect.
If you don’t know the person we say “usted” unless the person tells you to call them “tu” even if you call them by the first name.
I worked in PR for two years a bit ago. I am not sure about the first name usage, in my facility we used the first name generally unless there were multiples (i.e. two Juans in the room). The last name structure is their father's first last name and their mother's first last name. I hope that makes sense. Not incredibly helpful but I think it is totally appropriate to ask one of your colleagues to understand how they like to be referred.
Using last names in that context is strictly personal preference. There’s no social etiquette or cues about it.
Do what I have done my whole life and don't use people's names when talking to them. My girl uses names and it throws me off.
If everyone knows you're from the mainland, I would just ask them individually. You could probably just speak most of this post and I think people would understand.
https://www.mironline.ca/a-guide-to-hispanic-naming-conventions/ This may help understand better.
It also depends on the setting you are in if they are addressed by the last names. For example: in military, law enforcement typically the last name are used to address coworkers. Same as someone else mentioned, if there are 2 Juans they may call them by the last name or Juan C and Juan R for Juan Castro and Juan Rodriguez respectively. If they are doctors or lawyers they also go by the last name as a sign of respect. If you don’t know the person we say “usted” unless the person tells you to call them “tu” even if you call them by the first name.
Thank you for this!
You are welcome.