Using multilanguage, how do I handle different versions of content?

[KlausJ]

I need to run my shop in 3 languages (but same currency).

I am trying to figure out, if it is actually easier to set up 3 separate shopify shops - or use multilanguage... 

I have set up several languags and configured international domains, one per language - language switcher in footer works - great.

So far, it seems like a lot of things get super complicated when I switch to multilanguage - and here are some things I have not yet figured out - and hope for your feedback. 

1. How do I make my front page content fit the relevant language? 
   
   
2. Pages/Content (privacy, about, t&c etc)?
   
   
3. Menu items?
   
   
4. Product names?

Are there other multilanguage issues/pitfalls, I have not considered yet?

[richbrown_staff · Accepted solution]

Hey KlausJ,

Rich from Shopify here. You can do this on one store, without needing a separate shop for each language.

Shopify uses a Translations API. This makes it possible to edit content in different languages. You can use an app that's compliant with the Translations API, a collection of which you can find here, or you can use the CSV export / import functionality.

Using either of these methods, these are the names for the content you've mentioned:

1. Front page. Text generated in the Online Store Editor is saved as Type: ONLINE_STORE_THEME and then Field starts with 'section.' e.g. section.header.text

2. Pages. Apps will often have a section called 'Pages' and in the CSV or API they are listed as are ONLINE_STORE_PAGE

3. Menu items. These are LINK and the title of of the menu is ONLINE_STORE_MENU. You may see apps reference this as 'Navigation'.

4. Product names. These is Type PRODUCT and Field 'title'. 

This document may help which is a full list of translatable resources and what they are called: https://shopify.dev/api/admin-graphql/2021-10/enums/translatableresourcetype 

Hope that helps.

Best wishes,

Rich

[KlausJ]

Thanks for the answer, Rich - this is exactly what I was looking for! 🙂

It seems to me, that it would be a lot easier to simply have 2 different Shopify sites, if you have only two languages - and avoid a lot of hassle. Copy the theme across and get to work on the content. It is difficult for me to see advantages to 

I know that comes with a separate set of challenges and potentially other extra work (and costs), but having looked at it - for my business case it makes more sense to have two sites. 🙂

[richbrown_staff]

No problem!

We see people do both single site and multi site, and there are good reasons for both. We tend to recommend single site as you'll have a single set of data and only one store to update ongoing, and we are building ever more capability such as the forthcoming Shopify Markets, but I'm glad to be able to help and wish you the best as you build out your multilingual experience.

Rich

[Meltin-Bit]

I am trying Shopify Markets and seems great for my clients needs, but the language localization is still a problem for all the dynamic content. Would be nice if when you switch language also all the Customize content could be filled with the correct language, or when you choose the templates, ex. Homepage, you can create one for each language. This would help a lot.

I read in Shopify Markets docs that something is coming soon for targeted content, I am curious to see what it is about.

Fabio.