Kegmenistani Etiquette

Etiquette is of great importance within Kegmenistani society. What follows are excerpts from "A Guide to Etiquette". These show some of the more important customs and traditions which should always be followed.

General Etiquette

Conversational Etiquette

A loud tone of voice in conversation is to be avoided, as well as loud laughter. Both are considered vulgar in the extreme.

At the same time, speaking in a whisper, particularly for the purpose of excluding others from a conversation or a confidential aside, is exceptionally rude. If there are matters which must be communicated privately, there is almost always a better time and place to do so than while in the company of more than just the two who are communicating privately.

Conversation should be held in a melodious and friendly tone of voice.

It is considered impolite for a person to address another by first name when in public.

Ask after others, particularly the one with whom you are conversing, but never in the form of a question, as more direct questions are considered blunt and crude. Rather than saying, "How are your parents?", the acceptable form would have been to say, "I trust that your parents are well".

Personal or private matters should never be discussed on the street or in public gatherings.

Controversy and confrontation should be avoided in conversation, and one who assumes a disagreeable manner of speaking or tone of voice should not be met with the same stock-in-trade

Not every spoken wrong or inaccuracy requires that you address it and set it right. While doing so may make you perfectly right or appear to be perfectly knowledgeable on a subject, it also reveals you to be perfectly petty and boorish.

Always refrain from explaining any expression or word you may use unless asked to do so.

Men and women are advised not to praise themselves, their kin, their possessions, or anything so closely personal as to prevent the listener from participating - other than to listen.

The failures of other people are likewise to be avoided as conversation pieces, and one is considered rude in the extreme if he or she ridicules another.

Unless a gathering is political or religious in nature, it is considered impolite to introduce the topics of religion or politics.

Avoid the use of slang terms and phrases in polite company. Those terms belong to bar-rooms and other low places. In the same vein, by all means should you avoid the vulgar habit of joking at the expense of women.

There is only one proper way to make a request, and that is in the form of a question, not a directive.