Ubuntu in Your Language

When you installed Ubuntu, you were asked which language the system should use. Although this sets the initial language for the system, you may want to change the language at a later date. To do this click System > Administration > Language Selector.

Ubuntu supports a huge range of different languages, and many applications include a Translate This Application menu option in the Help menu so that normal Ubuntu users can contribute translations in their language. If you would like to help with this effort, it is a fantastic contribution to the Ubuntu project.

When the language selector first loads, it may ask you to update your Language Packs. Just click Yes to continue. Inside the dialog box a number of languages are listed, each of which has Translations and Writing Aids checkboxes. For each language that you want available on the system, check the relevant boxes. The Translations box should be checked for menus, labels, and buttons to be translated, and the Writing Aids box should be checked to install dictionaries and grammar checkers.

When you have selected the boxes, click the Apply button, and the appropriate language packs are downloaded and installed. Now use the Default Language combo box to choose the new language. You need to log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.

Tip: Choosing a New Language

When you see the login screen, you can use the Language button to choose a language for that specific login session. When you select the language you are asked if you want to make it the default language or use it just for that specific session.