Changing the system language on Ubuntu is important for users who prefer to operate in their native language or need to set up devices for different linguistic preferences. This customization ensures that all system menus, applications, and interfaces are displayed in the selected language, providing a more intuitive and personalized experience.

Ubuntu installations typically default to English, but the operating system supports many languages that can be easily added and activated. Once a new language is set, changes will be reflected across various system components, including the login screen, desktop environment, and application menus, enhancing overall usability for non-English speakers.

To modify the language settings in Ubuntu, users can access the system's main menu, navigate to the Settings application, and select the Region & Language option. From there, users can choose their preferred language from a comprehensive list. If the language pack is not pre-installed, Ubuntu will prompt for its installation. After completing the installation and a system restart, the new language will be applied across all system interfaces, providing a seamless transition.

Steps to change system language on Ubuntu:

  1. Navigate to the system's main menu or dash.
  2. Open the Settings application.
  3. Select the Region & Language option from the left sidebar.
  4. Under the Language section, click on the current language or the + button.
  5. Scroll through or search to find your desired language.
  6. Click on the desired language to select it.
  7. Confirm and proceed with the installation if prompted.
  8. Drag the new language to the top of the list to set it as the default.
  9. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
  10. After rebooting, you should see the login screen, system menus, and applications in the new language.

Note: Some applications might have their own language settings which need to be changed individually if they don't automatically adapt to the system language.

This guide is tested on Ubuntu:

Version Code Name
22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish
23.10 Mantic Minotaur
24.04 LTS Noble Numbat
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