Oh, boy, another opportunity to talk about H.P. Grice and his cooperative maxims. I strongly believe in the maxim of relevance. and I believe our society depends upon it quite heavily. I do realize, however, that many cultures and subcultures are much more literal, blunt, straight-forward (or whatever other adjectives you'd like to add). For example, in the Deaf community, (for you, J) people are more like Helen's household where being exact and literal is beneficial.

Though, Helen, I have to add that even when they would realize they had to ask "Can i speak to her?", you could still answer that they can, for they haven't yet asked if they may.