differences in local language versions

Speakers of the same language is different regions or countries may speak a different form of that language, which needs to be taken into account. Recognising and taking account of these differences is not only more culturally sensitive, they aid clarity - customers will not always understand words used from other dialects, or they may mean something completely different.

Examples

British	American
berk	idiot, boor
biscuit	cookie
candy floss	cotton candy
coach	long-distance bus
cot	baby's crib
courgette	zucchini
curtains	drapes
full stop	period
to grizzle	to whine
knackered	worn out
lift	elevator
post	mail
to skive	to loaf
subway	pedestrian underpass
tap	faucet
tramp	bum
underground	subway

Some differences between North and South Dutch (Flemish) and Dutch used in Suriname:

North Dutch	Flemish	Suriname	English
ansichtkaart	postkaart	postkaart	postcard
grapefruit	pompelmoes	pompelmoes and grapefruit used to refer to different fruit	grapefruit
ik houd van je	ik zie u graag	ik hou van je	I love you
Jeannet	flikker	boeler	Gay man
magnetron	microgolf	microwave	microwave
marechaussee	rijswacht	militaire politie	military police
mobieltje	GSM	cell	mobile phone
pinpas	bankkaart	pinpas	PIN card
sinaasappel	appelsien	sinaas	orange (fruit)
Spa Rood	spuitwater	soda water	sparkling water
tosti	croque-monsieur	toast	toasted sandwich
ui	ajuin	ui	onion
vrachtwagen	camion	pick up	lorry/truck

Processes

Practical International Data Management Online. A free resource from GRC Data Intelligence. For comments, questions or feedback: pidm@grcdi.nl

Practical International Data Management - Difference in local language versions

Examples

Processes