Changing the WordPress language
WordPress supports many different languages, making it easy to localize your site for global audiences. On ruachost.com, you can change the language during installation, manually, or by using a plugin.
Why Change the Language?
Section titled “Why Change the Language?”- Reach a wider audience by offering content in their native language.
- Improve usability for site administrators and contributors.
- Support multilingual websites and regional localization.
Methods to Change the WordPress Language
Section titled “Methods to Change the WordPress Language”1. During Installation (Softaculous)
Section titled “1. During Installation (Softaculous)”- If installing WordPress via Softaculous in cPanel, you can select your preferred language during setup.
- This is the easiest way to start with the correct language.
2. Manual Installation
Section titled “2. Manual Installation”If you already have WordPress installed:
-
Go to WordPress Translate.
- Find your desired language code (e.g.,
fr_FRfor French).
- Find your desired language code (e.g.,
-
Visit WordPress SVN Repository.
- Locate the directory for your language code.
-
Download the
.molanguage file(s) from the messages subdirectory. -
Upload the
.mofile(s) to:/wp-content/languages/(Create the
languagesfolder if it doesn’t exist.) -
Enable the new language:
-
WordPress 4.0 or newer → Log in → Go to Settings → General → Site Language → Select your language → Save.
-
WordPress 3.9.2 or older → Edit
wp-config.phpand add:define('WPLANG', 'xx_YY');
-
3. Using a Plugin
Section titled “3. Using a Plugin”For easier management:
- Log in to WordPress as the administrator.
- Go to Plugins → Add New.
- Search for WordPress Language (or similar multilingual plugins).
- Install and activate the plugin.
- Use the plugin’s interface to switch between languages or download additional language packs.