What does setting a default language in my store truly imply?

[ChanceCH]

Hello,

I would like to create content initially in English in my store, as this is where I feel strong from a language skills perspective. When I set the default language to English, is it possible that, depending on the user's location or preference in the operating system, the website will show the appropriate language first? For instance, a user from Germany will see it as German, whereas a user from Italy will see it as Italian and not English.

Thanks for guidance.

[Moira · Accepted solution]

Yes, your understanding is correct. By default, Shopify will display your website in the language you’ve set as the default, which in your case is English. It won’t automatically detect the user’s location or system language and adjust the website language accordingly.

For automatic language detection based on the user’s location or system language, you would need to use a third-party app that supports this feature. These apps can detect the user’s location or browser language settings and display your website in their preferred language, if you’ve provided the translations.

I hope this clarifies your query. If you have any more questions, let me know!

[Moira]

Hey @ChanceCH,

Great question! 

Shopify does provide the functionality to translate and localize your store content. Here’s an overview of how you can do this:

• Set the Default Language: You can set the default language of your store in your Shopify admin settings. This will be used in your Shopify admin and in your store’s checkout and theme.
• Translate Your Store Content: Shopify allows you to translate the content of your online store using the Translate & Adapt app, adding your own translations using CSV files, or by using a compatible third-party app. After translating the store, customers can browse your store, checkout, and receive notifications in their local language.
• Export and Import Translations: You can export a CSV file from your Shopify admin that contains the current list of translations for the languages that you select. The CSV file contains the original content to be translated and a column for the translated content. You can add your translated content to this row. However, it’s important to note that whenever translations don’t exist, your online store shows content in your primary language. Also, product URLs remain in the language that they were created in, even when a customer views your site in another published language.

By combining a language detection app with a language selector, you can provide a localized experience to your users. However, keep in mind that translating your content into different languages will be necessary for a complete localization.

I hope this helps! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

[ChanceCH]

Thank you for  the message, Moira.

I think your answer is in your last sentence. When I set English as default, a user in germany will see website the first time in English unless I use a language detaction app. Is my understanding correct?

Thank you

[Moira · Accepted solution]

Yes, your understanding is correct. By default, Shopify will display your website in the language you’ve set as the default, which in your case is English. It won’t automatically detect the user’s location or system language and adjust the website language accordingly.

For automatic language detection based on the user’s location or system language, you would need to use a third-party app that supports this feature. These apps can detect the user’s location or browser language settings and display your website in their preferred language, if you’ve provided the translations.

I hope this clarifies your query. If you have any more questions, let me know!

[shopifyavi · Accepted solution]

I think watching this video will also help understanding default language https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUW637Ro1l4&t=5s

[ChanceCH]

Thanks so much. This has improved the situation significantly. As at least I can assign different default language per country while my original language can stay in English.

Regards,

[Dorpooh]

Is there a listing of preferred Shopify 3rd party automatic language detection based on the user’s location or system language?