Leorastan Trade Etiquette

Trade and commerce are essential parts of civilization, within which relationships, connections, and bonds are formed of all varieties. Peoples from all over the world may speak different languages, but understand the finer nuances of trade and the etiquette that comes along with it. The Island Nation of Leorasta, however, sees things a bit differently. Commerce is a central part of life on the Isle and being centrally located between three continents and even more countries, the merchants of Leorasta have adopted a trade etiquette to accommodate any and all whom may sail into their harbor.

Execution

The Trade Etiquette of Leorasta reveals itself in the languages spoken at the negotiation table. They have not adopted a new trade speech, using the common trade tongue for that, but rather than attempt to communicate ideas, theories, and plans between language barriers, the merchants and peoples of Leorasta have taken it upon themselves to learn all the common tongues of Ellecrid and even some of the uncommon tongues so as to communicate with any and all. From a very early age, children of Leorasta are taught multiple languages alongside their other studies, mostly revolving around mercantilism. They are taught that when preparing to engage in commercial talks with a potential client, customer, or partner, to open the conversation speaking in the client's native tongue, not their own. Through this, they would show a level of empathy towards the client, and perhaps earn greater respect in this way.

Components and tools

This etiquette is primarily immaterial, relying on the communication of words, but when it comes time for documents to be written up and contracts to be drafted, the Leorastan's take pride in producing copies in all relevant languages to the client and the contracting merchant. For every copy drafted, there is due process observed with signatures and so forth, but all are kept in the same accounting file.

Observance

Observing the etiquette is very simple. As a potential client approaches a merchant of Leorasta, the merchant will make an observation, followed by an assumption based on their features and dress, from there, the merchant will greet them in the native tongue they assumed the client to speak. The following seconds are observed by a probing reaction; if the client seems confused at the greeting, the merchant will try again with a second assumption, if this confusion persists, they will resort to the common trade speech. The act of two tries is all on the part of the merchant to communicate with their client in a manner they would find most comfortable, so no strong or overbearing accents or dialects would interupt or mislead negotiations. If it appears however that the first two choices would not work, thye will resort to the common trade speech and go so far as to pause negotiations until a proper translator may be found.