Chinese culture is distinct. There are major linguistic differences between the Chinese and surrounding peoples such as the Koreans, Japanese, Manchurians, Viet, Thai, Tibetans, and others. However, as a dominant culture for millennia, it has impacted surrounding cultures to a great extent. China is the origin of many inventions that are now part and parcel of modern life. Although there has been turmoil from time to time, China has never completely lost its prestige and today continues to be one of the grandest civilizations in the world, with high living standards and dynamic economies.