Commons:Template i18n

Commons is a multi-language project, where much of the content of each page is shown in the language of the user. To accomplish that Commons uses great many templates, each translating a single word, phrase, license template, etc. On Commons translations are also referred to as localizations or internationalizations (i18n).

Translation mechanisms

Over the years several, mechanisms for translations were developed. Most of them are still in use, although some early mechanisms are being phased out.

Translations using MediaWiki namespace - one can put multiple translations of a string in sub-pages of MediaWiki page. For example MediaWiki:Com-poty-cat-people has a dozen translations of the phrase "People and human activities". Adding {{int:Com-poty-cat-people}} to the page will show the message in the language of the user.

using Translatewiki - There is some misterious mechanism of cloning translations from Translatewiki into Commons MediaWiki namespace. Fow example [https://translatewiki.net/wiki/Special:Translations/MediaWiki:wm-license-information-author

Translations of individual templates

The pages below track translations of individual templates.

The templates are divided into groups:

Templates using subpages for translations into different languages:
Templates using {{LangSwitch}} template for translations
- Category:Internationalization templates using LangSwitch
Templates using {{Please translate}} to mark language specific template subpages with new untranslated parameters.
- Category:Internationalization templates with incorrect translations

Besides these groups we have a list of most linked-to templates and some interface language statistics.