As the world becomes smaller through the power of globalized communications, the need to communicate across different languages becomes more critical. SharePoint 2010 recognizes the need to display information across languages in order to provide the best possible user experience. One of my favorite sites which leverages multilingual support is Ferrari.com.

Ferrari Website

There are two divergent approaches to multilingual support in SharePoint. The first is the use of language packs and the Multilingual User Interface (MUI). In this scenario, language packs are installed and the MUI enabled on a per site basis. Once the MUI is activated, you will have the option to enable alternate languages. Users will then have access to a language picker to switch to the language of their choice.

Sample Multilingual User Interface (MUI)

The second option is the use of the Variations feature. This will redirect users, once they visit the root SharePoint site, to the appropriate variation site based on the language setting of their Web browser. The advantage in this scenario is the capability to translate pages to your exact needs, such as the use of localized “slang” that is not within the database of the language pack or maintaining the intended structural tone of your content. The disadvantage is the need to manually translate these variations.

Whichever option you choose, here are some resources to help you get started. ¡buena suerte!

• Plan for multilingual sites
• Deploy language packs
• Variations overview

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