Operation Manual
Changing the System Language Globally
Proceed as described in Section 10.1.1, “Modifying System Languages with YaST”
(page 172) and Section 10.1.2, “Switching the Default System Language” (page 174)
to install additional localized packages with YaST and to set the default language.
Changes are effective after relogin. To ensure that the entire system reects the
change, reboot the system or close and restart all running services, applications,
and programs.
Changing the Language for the Desktop Only
Provided you have previously installed the desired language packages for your
desktop environment with YaST as described below, you can switch the language
of your desktop using the desktop's control center. After the X server has been
restarted, your entire desktop reects your new choice of language. Applications
not belonging to your desktop framework are not affected by this change and may
still appear in the language that was set in YaST.
Temporarily Switching Languages for One Application Only
You can also run a single application in another language (that has already been
installed with YaST). To do so, start it from the command line by specifying the
language code as described in Section 10.1.3, “Switching Languages for Individual
Applications” (page 175).
10.1.1 Modifying System Languages with
YaST
YaST knows two different language categories:
Primary Language
The primary language set in YaST applies to the entire system, including YaST
and the desktop environment. This language is used whenever available unless you
manually specify another language.
Secondary Languages
Install secondary languages to make your system multilingual. Languages installed
as secondary languages can be selected manually for a specic situation. For exam-
ple, use a secondary language to start an application in a certain language in order
to do word processing in this language.
172 Reference