Nikos-Optim wrote:
> I think wikipedia should look the same, have the same
> policies and customs, and the same spirit, no matter
> the language.
In terms of very high level policies, I agree with you. But there are
lots of little things that are dependent on culture. Let me give a
couple of examples.
1. I am told that in some languages, what is known as an encyclopedia
tends to include more 'mere definitions' that in English would
properly belong in a dictionary. So, if the French wikipedia chooses
to draw the line differently than we do about that sort of thing, I
don't see a problem with that.
2. It has been reported to me that on the Japanese wikipedia, there
is a stronger tendency to discuss things first on the talk page,
reaching a consensus, and then to update the article page. That's
consistent with Japanese culture. In en, of course, there's more of a
custom of boldly updating pages and while simultaneously arguing about
it on the talk pages. Either custom is valid, if it suits the people
who are doing the work.
--Jimbo