It has been possible to input bi-lingual content, even to have browser recognition to feed different languages to users as a priority but, generally, other key stuff like Menus, titles, plugins and many themes DO NOT handle such stuff. They break the language plugins.

This leads me to believe that the handling of languages and multi-languages really has to be done by the WP core itself, and not handed over to the patchwork of plugin authors.

The seriousness of this is that even in primarily English speaking nations … if not all modern democratic nations … there are almost universal requirements for official and professional bodies to present information in multi-languages for all of their constituents or clients.

If WordPress wishes to remain the place of idle chitchats … then fair enough it can be isolationist but if it want to develop along with the reality of our multi-racial, multi-lingual communities … then it has to look at and address this issue.

Either that, or for the rest of the world, it will remain a tool of primarily English speaking elites within those nations.

Thank you for your response. Obviously, what I am suggesting is a job for Automattic/Wordpress.org, not you and I do not mean any of this as a personal criticism, but those links – of which I am very aware – really underline the state of the ‘Tower of Babel’ when it comes to handling multi-languages.

It is all very fractured at present. Despite being all about communication, it is not being communicated simple and clearly and each community exists separately.

I think the idea of you combining … and running … a bi-lingual blog is not only wonderful but would an education into the realities. If you have no luck, I can mail you a copy of the last JLanguage plug in. I look forward to the WP/BP acquisition maturing.

For me, I specifically want to use WordPress to bring together Japanese and English speakers. I believe in WordPress being able to do so. I do not know of any other tools.

At present it is somewhere between clunky and difficult to do so … and definitely beyond the capacities of a non-technical user … and require hackery. Ultimately, MO and PO files alone to not do the fix.

What is the remit/job outline that Automattic have given you?

This page on Codex lists all available languages:
http://codex.wordpress.org/WordPress_in_Your_Language

You might want to try these plugins for translating WordPress. Some of them are for admin panel translation so they are not relevant, but I think you’ll find a few useful ones there. I don’t have any experience in BuddyPress multilingual site, so I’d appreciate your feedback if you try them on your site.
http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/tags/translation

I’ve been thinking about combining this site and my Japanese blog for a while. I’ll share any findings when/if that happens!

BuddyPress Japanese Resource File: http://wppluginsj.sourceforge.jp/i18n-ja_jp/buddypress/
WordPress MU Japanese Resource File: http://code.google.com/p/wpmu-ja/

Can I ask you a favour? Is it possible for WP to post all Japanese releases on English pages as well?

I am a great believer … well, “hoper” actually … in the power of WordPress to build international communities between the English speaking and Japanese/other worlds.

Currently, I am working on a WPMU / Buddypress site for a NPO Hojin (501 c type charity) and I struggling to find the Japanese elements. There is so much work to resolve, e.g. Buddypress, theme summaries etc!!!

The JLanguage plugin seems to have died and that is a great shame as it worked well.

I am not a develop but what can I do to make the internationalisation/Japonisation of WordPress happen quicker?

It is about time we rose above nationalism in the Web 2.0 world.

btw Jim, don’t you love your new email address…?

I, for one, recall the single index.php template!
Congratulations and good luck working with Automattic!

Sincerely,
-daniel