The cultural and linguistic differences with Japan necessitate a partnership, figured Jean-Philippe Maheu, Razorfish's chief operating officer.

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Nigeria is divided by rivalry between the predominantly Muslim north and the mainly Christian south, which also have cultural, ethnic and linguistic differences.

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Split by linguistic differences between a Flemish-speaking north and a French-speaking south, voters in Belgium set a world record this year, by being unable to agree on a formal government since holding elections last June.

WSJ: The Really Smart Phone

The opportunities are tempting, but there are a myriad of pitfalls stemming from cultural, linguistic and legal differences.

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Judging from the 115-page report issued, it was a tricky process, not least because it involved trying to reconstruct events involving a Frenchman with limited Spanish and a Uruguayan who cited linguistic nuances and cultural differences between the Spanish spoken in Europe and that in his native country.

WSJ: Gabriele Marcotti: The Handshake Unheard 'Round The World