It is especially difficult to advance for young members who can't write in English and can only participate in the local part of the forum.
Low rank members can still receive Merits even though they can't/don't post in English Language. Merit is a reward to be given in a "quality" post and doesn't mean non English posts doesn't deserved it. As long as a post helps other member or can be qualified as quality, no matter what language it is written, it can be merited. I hope that answered your concern.