The Human Clan is unusual in having all its members derive from one genetic line. Perhaps this accounts for the remarkably casual interaction of its three members. But for better or worse, Galactic Civilization --even races that compose a single clan --have diverse evolutionary histories. Misunderstanding and conflict inevitably occur, sometimes with tragic results.
For the safety of all, numerous Traditions exist to minimize the likelihood of misunderstanding and to lessen the negative consequences of any mis-communication that nonetheless might occur. In addition, the behavior of individuals reflects on their species and clan. None are faulted for polite and proper behavior, and even when no insult may be intended, informality always risks being misconstrued. In addition, the Traditions of interspecies interaction were developed by the Ancestors over the eons. Furthermore, when patrons insist that clients scrupulously observe the Traditions, it helps client species build a culture that will function well in Galactic Civilization, as well as helping guarantee that the client species will become a virtuous and productive member of the Galactic commonwealth.
Of course, it is incumbent on every sapient to be polite as polite as possible. While a member of a high-ranking species might not be liable to practical sanction for rude or insulting behavior, none gain credit from rudeness. However, between species deference may be due one to another. Individual clans develop their own interspecies deference routines (though few are as radically reduced as those practiced among Terragens, who even use a clan name that makes no mention of the clan patron). Nevertheless, in public settings all clans adhere to a certain set of Traditions that mark intra-clan differences in rank. This is because many species are socio-biologically dependent on ritual and can often be psychologically disturbed by informal behavior --even if the behavior is exhibited by alien species in public.
The most fundamental division marked by deference routines is the division between client and patron. Client species must be faultlessly polite to any patron species. They may never adopt aggressive or threatening postures or tones of voice in the presence of patrons. When not otherwise contradicted by law or tradition, a client must yield to a patron. In turn, patrons are expected to make only reasonable demands on clients, and refrain from using Traditions of deference to degrade, humiliate, or extort clients. Patrons also must treat clients of other species with perfect formality. Failure to observe formal Traditions of deference may result in a wronged patron species demanding satisfaction from the client's patrons. Likewise, when a client is abused by another patron, the client's patron may seek satisfaction on behalf of its client species.
In normal circumstances, immature client species of any rank dispense with all but the most elementary deference routines when interacting among themselves. A client meeting a client of a higher rank usually greets the other with a symbol of non-aggression, then proceeds as soon as the elder client provides the appropriate sign of recognition. Clients should note that the level of formality often goes up when more than one level of difference exists between two individuals --for example, when members of a fourth and a second level client species interact. When in doubt, err on the side of excessive formality and use the formal deference marker when speaking.
When interacting with any patron use the deferential marker in speech and maintain a deferential, nonthreatening demeanor throughout the interaction. For Neo-Chimpanzees this means curling hands loosely, and crossing arms over the chest. Bow slightly, and do not make eye-contact. Neo-Dolphins should turn sideways to the patron and avoid eye contact. If in an apparatus providing mobility on land, a Neo-Dolphin should also make every effort to make appendages on the apparatus appear innocuous. If the occasion calls for it, apologize, then speak only when spoken to. Never touch an alien patron, and avoid touching any of your own patrons. A patron may release a client from full observation of deferential Traditions. Should this happen, a client should still use the deferential marker in speech and be as formal as practical.
Deference among patrons is more complex. Most Galactic Languages have three deference markers --deferential, formal, and informal. The informal marker is seldom used in public, and never used at all among some species. One patron should never refer to another patron in the informal without first verifying the other sapient will be comfortable with mutual use of the informal. The formal marker indicates the user regards their partner in conversation as worthy of respect. When speaking to a species in the formal, no-threat symbolism will suffice. Speak to client species in the informal, or occasionally in the formal. Always speak to Retired or Elder species in the deferential and keep the same demeanor that a client would maintain in the presence of a patron. Humans observe the same routines described for Neo-Chimpanzees.
The relative prestige of mature species is always subject to debate. In general, age is the first measure of a species' prestige --older species merit respect as do species that are grand-patrons or great-grand patrons. The second index of respect is the length of a species' lineage. The third standard index of a species' relative prestige is the number of clients to their credit. Those who frequently find themselves in interspecies company are well advised to acquaint themselves with the full names of as many species as possible. However, standard introductions always include identification by full personal name, species name, and relevant titles, and it is not inappropriate to begin deference routines following an introduction. Also note, that is is always appropriate to give a member of a wealthy or powerful species more respect than might be indicated by the standard indices.
Deference also accrues to those holding certain offices. In general, no ordinary sapient should address a member of government or ambassador with less than the formal marker, and should observe consonant deference routines. Likewise, ordinary sapients must address institute fellows and associates (but not common institute staff) with deferential speech and behavior.
All Terragens are encouraged to make a full study of the fundamentals of proper galactic manners by consulting this list of articles.
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