2023-07-16, 05:49 PM
For people running a forum in a single language, and using the default installed language files English (American), they might never run into the intricacies of dealing with multiple languages. Like me. Ha!
Others may install a language pack and think that's all there is to it, but they may find that as forum software gets updated, there may be additional language phrases and sometimes new language files that need to be maintained.
In the category of "you learn something new every day", comes this introduction to comparing current language files, and editing them to keep your forum up to date. A big ((( shout out ))) to Laird, who helped me with this process. Thank you, Laird! I was intending to compare language files manually because the current Hebrew language file in Extend was submitted in 2014 and did not seem to work correctly with current forum software. It was uploaded sometime back when 1.8.3 was the current version, apparently. Further, that language pack may include files related to plugins not installed that are superfluous and may be deleted.
First step is to ensure that the default MyBB language files are loaded and current, because that is what you will always be comparing the added language files to.
Next step is, with your language pack installed, compare the two sets in AdminCP / Configuration tab, click on Languages menu item. Then, for the language you have added, click on Options / Edit with English (American) since that is the baseline language file set you are comparing.
[attachment=46160]
In this example, there are files in one language set without a corresponding one in the other set, as well as files that do not match, as well as files that do match.
Take note of contact.lang.php. This is a newer feature added sometime around version 1.8.16. Interestingly, if there is no corresponding language file, the forum picks up details from the default. But if a file exists but not all phrases are provided, the display has a lot of blanks.
[attachment=46162]
Click on Edit and you can add the translation. Use the similar format for text in case of multiple lines or formats. Also, pay attention to argument variables that may appear as {1} or similar. Those must be retained for functionality.
[attachment=46161]
Once you click Save Language File button, you have created or saved the edited file. Go through all files and translate as your members need to read.
Others may install a language pack and think that's all there is to it, but they may find that as forum software gets updated, there may be additional language phrases and sometimes new language files that need to be maintained.
In the category of "you learn something new every day", comes this introduction to comparing current language files, and editing them to keep your forum up to date. A big ((( shout out ))) to Laird, who helped me with this process. Thank you, Laird! I was intending to compare language files manually because the current Hebrew language file in Extend was submitted in 2014 and did not seem to work correctly with current forum software. It was uploaded sometime back when 1.8.3 was the current version, apparently. Further, that language pack may include files related to plugins not installed that are superfluous and may be deleted.
First step is to ensure that the default MyBB language files are loaded and current, because that is what you will always be comparing the added language files to.
Next step is, with your language pack installed, compare the two sets in AdminCP / Configuration tab, click on Languages menu item. Then, for the language you have added, click on Options / Edit with English (American) since that is the baseline language file set you are comparing.
[attachment=46160]
In this example, there are files in one language set without a corresponding one in the other set, as well as files that do not match, as well as files that do match.
Take note of contact.lang.php. This is a newer feature added sometime around version 1.8.16. Interestingly, if there is no corresponding language file, the forum picks up details from the default. But if a file exists but not all phrases are provided, the display has a lot of blanks.
[attachment=46162]
Click on Edit and you can add the translation. Use the similar format for text in case of multiple lines or formats. Also, pay attention to argument variables that may appear as {1} or similar. Those must be retained for functionality.
[attachment=46161]
Once you click Save Language File button, you have created or saved the edited file. Go through all files and translate as your members need to read.