It depends on what local boards we are talking about. In some local sections, especially in those where there are local merit sources, it`s quite possible to get merit. But even there it`s given only for high-quality posts. Nobody will give you a merit just because you are countrymen or speak the same language.

At the same time, there remain many local topics that don`t have separate board, not to mention local merit sources. For example, the Ukrainian section still belongs to the "Other Languages" and doesn`t have its own board, although Ukrainians are quite active at the forum and bring great benefits. We also don`t have any merit sources, so you can only receive merit from other users. Unfortunately, merit sources don`t read this section, so many good posts remain without reward.