Does changing 'WPLANG' in wp-config.php just effect the admin language or does it have other consequences?

Question

I am curious to know if setting 'WPLANG' in wp-config.php just effects the admin language or does it have other consequences?

I run a blog in a foreign language but use English in my admin. I initially set the WPLANG to the foreign language a while ago and used a plugin (admin in English) to keep the English admin interface whilst using an .mo file to translate the theme.

I now use 'WPML' to manage the translations. I was wondering whether my WPLANG setting is still relevant and what it really means to the site?

Thanks

Answer 1

WPLANG effects the whole site not just the admin section, you can use it in conjunction with WPML. It basically sets what language you have translations for but you must include a languages folder inside wp-include with the appropriate .mo and .po files.

You can also set WPML to use the default languages directory ( which is set up by defining the language(s) in wp-config as I said above).

Answer 2

Please see the plugin WP Native Dashboard, this has solutions for use a custom language on backend of WordPress; very fine plugin.

Answer 3

'WPLANG' in wp-config.php will apply as default language for both theme and admin.

Admin in English will check if it is in admin first. Then use add_filter() to hook on the locale call and changed the returned $locale to code who ask for it.

It use similar concept of interrupt in DOS.

Based on the concept above, if it is not in admin, then $locale shouldn't be changed.

Different Languages in WordPress Theme and Admin provides a step by step and explain if you want to read more.