First of two parts
The subject of keigo, or terms of respect, is complex, and I beg your indulgence this week and next for my modest efforts to deal with it. Although keigo includes teineigo (polite expressions), I am going to confine my discussion to two main categories: sonkeigo (honorifics) and kensongo (expressions of humility).
Japanese society is hierarchical, as befits its neo-Confucian nature. As such, it is essential that you be aware of where you stand in the pecking order of things so that you know when to peck up and when to peck down. When in doubt, my advice is, always keep your pecking up.