: Re: How deeply should I study the background of a community before writing about it? By "background", I mean the dialects, habits and culture of the community. Also, I wonder if it is even possible

@Nickens642

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It depends on your intent; if your work be it fictional or factual, hangs on details about this community, its customs and practices,then you need to research scrupulously.
If it's broad strokes, background characterisation, or local colour, then a more general level of knowledge is acceptable.
In either case, you cannot give the same level of insight as a member of that community but you should be truthful, avoid lazy stereotypes, and if your research shows that your initial ideas about that community or culture was inaccurate you should rethink your approach. Also, while you cannot describe it as an "insider" you can give an objective point of view that is just as valuable and interesting if you try.

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