Respect is a fundamental concept and lynchpin of Nepali culture in the UK Nepali community as much as in Nepal itself. The salutation ‘Namaste’ / ‘Namaskar’ — literally meaning ‘I salute the god within you’ (traditional values governed Nepalis in the UK, even when younger will sometimes have reticence on shaking hands with those who are older or in perceived more senior positions in life) encapsulates this reverence for the concept of respect.
The Tikka Blessing is perhaps the ultimate ceremony level manifestation of the veneration for respect: there is fuller information on the Tikka Blessing in the Festivals and related, and the Nepali Calendar section of this information resource.
Whilst the removal of shoes on entering a traditional Nepali family home in the UK is a custom as vibrant as it is mandatory, and with a significance as important as doing the same on entering a Hindu temple or Buddhist temple, or mosque. There are subtle but very real associations of spiritual energy and symbolism relating to this act, but it basically means awareness between the outer world and private living and worship spaces. Not far behind these two examples of the presentation of khada scarves (see clothing section of this information resource) and conferring or receiving Tikka blessings.
Beyond these and indicated in the Namaste / Namaskar difference, there are also age and relationship name differences of importance, and the fact that just as in French there are verb forms for familiarity and ones for more formal intercommunication: in French ‘tu’ and ‘vous’ forms and in Nepali ‘timi’ and ‘tapai’ forms.
Age is not a cause of embarrassment for Nepali people, but a requirement for respect. This is reflected in forms of address used to speak even to complete strangers. If you are perceived to be older than the person addressing you, they will call you Didi, meaning “older sister,” or Dai (“older brother”); if perceived to be younger Bhai (for men) and Bahini (for women) are used to signify ‘younger brother’ or ‘younger sister.’ You may also be addressed as “Uncle” or “Auntie.” These are entirely respectful terms. Similarly, a –jee (also ‘Ji’) suffix added to someone’s name when you address them is a mark of respect. The suffix ‘Jiu’ is used for very senior respected figures such as ministers, prime ministers, organisation leads, experts, ambassadors, etc. Contradictory attributes may draw respect: wealth is respected, and yet so is self-denial and humility.