Note 478 — Chapter XVI · MEETING WITH MONTEZUMA. November, 1519.
Reading edition
Bernal Diaz states that the emperor always addressed him as Malinche, and, indeed, it was common among Mexicans to address persons by a name given them in later life in connection with some peculiarity, deed, or incident. Hence Cortés, as master of the prominent female interpreter, received a name implying that relationship.