TORONTO - Avril Lavigne's preppy and poppy new single will be incomprehensible to some, but not because of her new cheerleader look.
The single "Girlfriend'' has been released with the chorus sung in eight different languages, including a Mandarin version.
Lavigne's manager, Terry McBride, says the worldwide chart-topper is focusing on the Asian market, which is far and away her biggest fan base.
He says Lavigne laboured with a language coach to make sure that every word and intonation was correct for her foreign-language songs.
Her single "Girlfriend'' debuted at number one on Japan's international and domestic charts, something McBride says was previously unheard of for his English-speaking artists.
Lavigne is also promoting her music through a Japanese-style manga comic, "Make 5 Wishes.''
It will be distributed as an episodic series via cellphone.
Lavigne's upcoming album, "The Best Damn Thing,'' due April 17.
