Do you want to use WordPress in other languages? WordPress is fully translated into over 65 languages and can be used in your native language. In this article, we will show you how to install WordPress in other languages.
Since this is a comprehensive step by step tutorial, feel free to use the navigation below to get to the appropriate section.
- Getting Started with WordPress in Other Languages
- Choosing a Language During WordPress Installation
- Changing Language in WordPress
- Manually Installing WordPress Translation Files For Other Languages
- Using an English Admin Interface in Multilingual WordPress
- Creating a Multilingual WordPress Website
- Help Translate WordPress in Your Language
Getting Started with WordPress in Other Languages
In order to start a blog, the first thing you will need is to get WordPress hosting.
We recommend using Bluehost. They are one of the largest WordPress hosting providers in the world. They are also an officially recommended WordPress hosting provider.
After signing up with a WordPress host, the next step is to install WordPress. We have a complete step by step tutorial on how to install WordPress properly.
Choosing a Language During WordPress Installation
WordPress 4.0 came with the new and improved internationalization support. Now users can choose a language for their WordPress website during the installation.
This is particularly useful if you need installation instructions to be in your local language. However, if you didn’t select the language during your WordPress install process, then you can change it any time under WordPress settings.
Changing Language in WordPress
WordPress makes it super-easy to change the language on your website. Simply go to Settings » General in your WordPress dashboard, and scroll down to the bottom of the page. There you will see the option to select site language.
While WordPress has translations for over 162 languages, you will be only able to see languages that are fully translated (62).
If you do not see your language in the list, this does not mean that it is not available or that you can not use it.
We will show you how to manually install language packs in WordPress.
Manually Installing WordPress Translation Files For Other Languages
WordPress uses a gettext system for translations (localization and internationalization). Volunteer users from around the world use a main .pot template file to translate WordPress in their languages. This results into two files for each language. Portable Object format file with .po extension, and Machine Object file with .mo extension. You will need a .mo file for your language.
Go to the WordPress translation teams page to see if there is a WordPress translation available for your language.
Next, click on the percentage value to see the status of the translation progress in your language and then click on current WordPress version.
You will now reach GlotPress, which is a web based app used by WordPress team to manage and translate WordPress projects.
Once there, you need to scroll down to the bottom until you see the export section. In the dropdown, select Machine Object Message Catalog (.mo) and then click on Export link.
Repeat the process above and select Portable Object Message Catalog (.po) and then click on the Export link.
After downloading and unzipping the language pack on your computer, you will need to connect to your website using an FTP client. Once connected, upload the language files to /wp-content/languages folder.
After you’re done uploading the file, return to the WordPress admin area. Go to Settings » General page and scroll down to site language option. You can now select the language you just uploaded because it will appear under installed languages.
Using an English Admin Interface in Multilingual WordPress
Sometimes you may want to use WordPress in a different language while keeping the admin interface in English.
This is particularly helpful if you have admins who are not familiar with other installed languages or you give access to developers.
You will need to install and activate the English WordPress Admin plugin. For more details, see our step by step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, the plugin will add a language switcher in the WordPress admin bar. Each user can simply take the mouse over to the language switcher and select the admin interface language.
For more detailed instructions, take a look at our guide on how to use English WordPress admin on Multilingual site.
Creating a Multilingual WordPress Website
WordPress can be used in different languages but creating content in multiple languages is not easily manageable by default.
Luckily, there are several plugins that allow you to easily create and manage multilingual WordPress sites. These plugins allow you to create content in multiple languages and making it easier for your website visitors to switch languages.
We recommend using WPML (WordPress Multi Language) plugin. This paid plugin is used by thousands of websites from all over the world to create user friendly multilingual websites with WordPress.
See our guide on how to create a multilingual WordPress site with WPML for detailed instructions.
If you are looking for a free solution, then you can checkout Polylang plugin. Take a look at our guide on creating multilingual WordPress site with Polylang.
Help Translate WordPress in Your Language
If you did not find an available translation for WordPress in your language, then perhaps you can help create one.
WordPress is an open source software that is completely volunteer driven. See: Why is WordPress free and how does it make money?
This means that all available translations that you see right now are created by volunteer users from around the world (just like you). Check out Translating WordPress website for more information on how you can contribute.
We hope that this article helped you install WordPress in other languages. You may also want to take a look at our list of 24 Must Have WordPress plugins for all websites.
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