Nepal🕣
Country in South Asia, in the central part of the Himalayas, to the north of the Indian subcontinent. Official name – the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Population – 30.1 million people (as of 2020). Capital – Kathmandu. Official language - Nepali. Government type – parliamentary republic. Main religion – Hinduism.
Nepal
Greeting
The traditional greeting ritual in Nepal is “Namaste”, during which it is customary to place your palms together at chest level, say the word "Namaste" (which means "I greet the divine in you"), and give a slight bow to the other person. The depth of the bow depends on the status of the person being greeted.
In business practice, the accepted form of greeting is a light handshake, which among Nepalis usually follows the traditional “Namaste”. With foreign business partners, only a handshake.
Men usually shake hands with men, and women with women. Handshakes between men and women are generally possible. Still, it is important to note that not everyone is comfortable with any form of physical contact (even handshakes) with members of the opposite sex. In such situations, men should wait for the woman to take the initiative.
If your Nepali partner's side includes several people, greet the eldest or highest-ranking person first.
Greetings such as hugs, kisses, or pats on the shoulder or arm are only accepted between relatives, friends, or people who have known each other for a long time.
Introduction
In Nepal, several naming traditions have developed over centuries of coexistence among people representing various religious sects, clans, and ethnic communities.
Nepali names, each with its own special meaning, originate from the ancient languages of Sanskrit and Pali. Newborns are often named after Hindu deities, for example, the female name «Chatushkarni», which is one of th...
Exchange of Business Cards
Exchanging business cards usually takes place after greetings.
Titles, academic degrees, and qualifications (if applicable) should be included on the business card.
Any materials (including the business card) should be handed to or received from the partner with the right hand or both hands.
The text on the business card can be in English, as it is the language loc...
Small Talk: Overview
During a conversation, your Nepali partner may ask you direct questions related more to personal matters, such as: Are you married? How old are you? What is your family background? While this is common in Nepali culture, it’s best not to initiate similar questions toward your colleague.
Nepalis often make fairly long, silent pauses during conversation. Silence is generally well accept...
Preferred Topics
In Nepal, people are happy to engage in conversations about the country's culture and natural beauty. Nepalese will gladly tell you about the most scenic spots, beautiful temples, cultural monuments, and more.
Nepal’s nature is always a good topic. It’s not only mountains, it’s also plains, where a large number of people live.
Family, being an important part of life for Nepalese...
Taboo Topics
Avoid parallels or comparisons between Nepalese and Indians, and refrain from commenting on the appearance or accent of individuals from these two cultures.
Stay away from sensitive social issues, such as poverty, corruption, and gender or social inequality. Nepalese people are aware of their own issues but are not inclined to discuss them with foreigners, especially if the conversation...
Personal Space
The comfortable distance for conversation in Nepal is about an arm's length or slightly less. This distance is generally closer than in Western and Northern European countries.
Depending on who is participating in the conversation, the comfortable distance may vary: for instance, men conversing with one another stand relatively close, but this distance increases if a woman joins the con...
Communication Specifics
In communication, especially in formal settings, polite and courteous behavior is expected.
The Nepalese style of communication can generally be described as indirect. To avoid confrontation, Nepalese people often speak in a roundabout way, restating the same idea in different words, adding new details each time, without calling things by their exact names.
If you bring up an is...
Any questions? Contact us.
Ask a Question