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How to Install WordPress in Different Languages


WordPress is the most used open-source CMS platform around the globe. One of the reasons for its immense popularity is that it’s usable in more than 65 languages. It doesn’t matter where the website owner or developer is situated. The WordPress website language allows visitors to engage with your website from anywhere in the world.

Changing the language comes in handy, especially when your target audience isn’t in the same country as yours. For example, if you’re located in the USA and trying to engage with users in Asia, you can easily do that by changing the language of your platform. 

If you have managed WordPress hosting, your host can help set up your website to be available to different audiences worldwide speaking different languages. 

However, if you’re running your own setup, this article will help you understand how to install WordPress in different languages to accommodate visitors of every language.

Let’s get started!

Getting Started With a WordPress Website in Other Languages

First, you need to create a WordPress blog, and for that, you’ll need WordPress hosting. After getting a deal from your WordPress hosting provider, your next step will be to install a WordPress application. Read this step-by-step guide if you don’t know how to install WordPress.

During the downloading process, you’ll be required to choose the language. 

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Language Selection During WordPress Installation

The latest WordPress version, WordPress 5.9, comes with significantly improved support, which can help you create and install your WordPress to keep your international audience satisfied. 

This support lets website owners choose a different language for their website during the installation process. This is beneficial if you want to see further WordPress installation instructions in your language. If you change the language at this stage, the rest of the installation process will be in your preferred language.

However, if you skip the language selection, you can always change it by going to WordPress settings. 

How to Change the Language in WordPress

Follow the steps below to change your language in WordPress.

  1. Look for Settings in your WordPress Dashboard.
  2. Go to Settings > General.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the site language option. You’ll see a long list of languages.
  4. If you see your language in the list, select that. WordPress will now be visible in your preferred language.

Although WordPress comes with translations for more than 162 languages, you can only choose from 62 fully translated languages. If you don’t see your language on the list, it means that WordPress is not yet translated into that language or you cannot use it.

However, you can manually install language packs for languages unavailable by default on WordPress to use your website in your preferred language. 

How to Install WordPress Translation Files Manually For Other Languages

Manually translating WordPress files into your preferred language requires some technical knowledge, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you should get help from someone who does.

WordPress uses a system called “gettext” for local and international translations. Volunteer WordPress users worldwide use the main “.pot” file template to translate WordPress into their own languages. 

Consequently, there are two files for each language in WordPress. One is a Portable Object format file with the extension “.po” and the other is a Machine Object format file with the extension “.mo.” For your own language to get into WordPress manually, you’ll need a .mo file. To get one, follow the steps below. 

  1. Visit the WordPress Translation Teams page and check if a WordPress translation is available for the language you want the translation in.
  2. Click on the percentage to check the current status of the translation-in-progress.
  3. Click on the current WordPress version.
  4. You’ll be directed to GlotPress, a web-based application used by the WordPress team to translate and manage WordPress files and projects.
  5. Scroll down to the bottom and see if there’s an export section. 
  6. Select Machine Object Message Catalog (.mo) from the dropdown menu and click on Export.
  7. Repeat this process to get the Portable Object Message Catalog (.po).
  8. Once downloaded, unzip the language packs on your computer.
  9. Connect to your website using an FTP client and upload the language files to /app/languages folder.
  10. When the file is uploaded, go back to the WordPress admin area and select Settings > General from the dashboard. Scroll down below to select the site language option and select the language you’ve just uploaded.

How to Use an English Admin Interface in Multilingual WordPress

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Many users like to use WordPress in their native language while keeping the interface of the admin page in English. It’s helpful because some admins are not acquainted with languages other than English, and if the admin page isn’t in English, you can’t give access to developers.  

So, if you want your admin interface to stay in English while the rest of the WordPress is in a different language, there’s a way to do it.

Install the English WordPress Admin plugin and activate it. If you’re not familiar with the process, learn how to install plugins on WordPress.

Once the plugin is activated, you can add a language switcher option in the admin bar of WordPress. As a result, every user can select their preferred language for the admin page when they log into WordPress.

How to Create a Multilingual WordPress Website

While it’s not simple by default to create content on WordPress in multiple languages, it is possible. Some plugins allow you to manage your WordPress site in multiple languages.

With these plugins, you can easily create and manage multilingual content, giving users access to switch languages when they are on your site.

The WordPress Multi-Language (WPML) plugin is a paid and user-friendly plugin that we recommend if you want your site to be multilingual. Check out the detailed guide on creating a multilingual WordPress site for more instructions.

Help Translate WordPress in Your Language

Because WordPress is an open-source platform, it’s entirely people-driven – which means modifications can be made to the interface and layout of WordPress as per people’s choices.

Because of this, if a WordPress translation isn’t available in your language, then you can create one or lend a helping hand.

Every WordPress translation you see on the site languages list is created by someone who works as a WordPress volunteer. And you can be one too. Visit Translating WordPress and contribute what you can.

How Many Languages is WordPress Available In?

Currently, WordPress is available in more than 65 languages, and these translations can be used to switch the WordPress interface to your preferred language. With the help of plugins, your visitors can also easily choose the language they want your site to be displayed in. If a WordPress translation is unavailable in the language that you speak or prefer, visit the Translating WordPress page and become a contributor to translate WordPress in that language.

Last modified on: August 23rd, 2023

Categorized as Web Hosting

Julia is a Content Coordinator for HostPapa, with a special focus on editing copy and all things blog-related. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching Oscar-nominated movies, and drinking iced lattes.

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