Languages & Cultures

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Language vs. Dialect: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter for Your Business?

Dialects can hinder people from the same country from understanding each other. When traveling to the U.S., for example, you will encounter unique phrases, words, and speech patterns in each region that couldn’t only disturb understanding between two English-language speakers using different dialects but also might be offensive.  Capturing a dialect’s influence on word meaning…

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Side-by-side comparison of Japanese and Chinese characters, highlighting key linguistic differences.
Japanese vs. Chinese: A Comprehensive Comparison of Language and Culture

Even though the Japanese writing system incorporates Chinese characters known as kanji, and both languages share over 50% of their characters, they remain distinct in structure, pronunciation, and usage. For businesses planning to operate in Asia, knowing these distinctions between the Japanese and Chinese languages can significantly impact their upcoming negotiations, marketing strategies, customer relationships,…

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World map featuring flags of China, Japan, and Korea, highlighting Chinese-speaking countries.
Chinese Speaking Countries: A Guide to Where Mandarin is Widely Spoken

Over 900 billion people speak Mandarin worldwide. The influence of the language extends far beyond China, making it an indispensable tool for engaging with Chinese-speaking communities across the globe. The growing influence of Chinese-speaking markets offers vast opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive. However, success in these regions requires more than ambition; it calls…

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Illustrated map of Malaysia with the flag and a pin, showcasing the various languages spoken across the country.
What Are the Languages Spoken in Malaysia?

In a country such as Malaysia, where multiculturalism thrives, understanding the languages of Malaysia is not just a cultural appreciation but a practical necessity for any business that has an eye on the Malaysian market. From the Malay language, which serves as the national tongue, to various ethnic languages and dialects such as Mandarin, Tamil,…

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