How to Add a Language in WordPress

1. Adding a Language in WordPress with the TranslatePress Plugin

TranslatePress is one of the most intuitive and popular plugins for adding multiple languages to WordPress. It allows you to translate your entire page directly from the frontend interface, making it easy to see changes as they happen.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

To get started, go to WordPress dashboard and choose Plugins > Add New. In the search box type "TranslatePress" and then click Install and Activate plug.

Step 2: Plugin Configuration

After activation, go to Settings > TranslatePress. In the tab General you can choose the default language and add other languages in which the site will be available.

Step 3: Translate the Page

To start translating, go to the tab Translate Site in the toolbar at the top of the page. This will open the translation interface, where you can click on elements of the page and translate them directly in the preview window.

TranslatePress allows you to translate every aspect of your website, from in-body text to buttons and menus, making your website fully multilingual.

2. Adding a Language in WordPress Using the WPML Plugin

WPML (WordPress Multilingual Plugin) is one of the most advanced and versatile plugins for creating multilingual websites. It is especially recommended for large websites that require a comprehensive approach to managing content in different languages.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

To use WPML, you must first purchase a license on the WPML website, then download the plugin and install it on your WordPress.

Step 2: Plugin Configuration

Once you have installed WPML, go to WPML > Languages in your WordPress dashboard. Here you can add new languages, configure the default language, and set the appearance of the language switcher on the page.

Step 3: Content Translation

WPML allows you to translate posts, pages, menus, widgets and WooCommerce elements. Simply go to any page or post and select Add translation in your chosen language.

WPML is a powerful tool that also offers features such as automatic translation, integration with translation tools, and translation management from a single panel.

3. Adding a Language in WordPress with the Polylang Plugin

Polylang is another popular plugin that allows you to add multiple languages to your WordPress site. It is easy to use and offers many customization options.

Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugin

As with other plugins, go to Plugins > Add New In your WordPress dashboard, type “Polylang” in the search box, then install and activate the plugin.

Step 2: Plugin Configuration

Once you have activated the plugin, go to Languages > Add new. Select the language you want to add to your site and save changes.

Step 3: Content Translation

Polylang adds new fields to the post and page editor where you can add translations for each piece of content. The plugin also allows you to create separate versions of each page and post for each language.

Polylang is a free alternative that offers many features while being easier to use than WPML.

Summary

Adding a language to WordPress is easy and can significantly increase the reach of your site. Choosing the right plugin depends on your needs and the scale of your project. TranslatePress is perfect for smaller websites and blogs, WPML will work well in larger websites requiring comprehensive management of multiple languages, and Polylang is an excellent, free alternative.

Regardless of which plugin you choose, remember that a multilingual site requires regular content updates and consistency across languages. This will make your site appealing to users from different countries and cultures, which will certainly translate into its success.