[ Tutorial ] - Use FaLang as alternate to Joom!Fish - build a multi-language website in Joomla 2.5

This Tutorial shows you, how you can build a multi-language website in Joomla 2.5 with FaLang, a fork of Joom!Fish.

1.Step: Download FaLang

You can download FaLang here

2.Step: Download your Language Pack

You can download your Language Pack at The Joomla! Extensions Directory ™. For this tutorial we choose the German - Translations for Joomla! by J!German.

3.Step: Install FaLang in your Joomla 2.5 Backend

To install FaLang use the path: "Joomla 2.5 Administration" - "Extension-Manager" - "Install", select the FaLang package on your desktop and click to "Upload and Install".

4.Step: Install your Language Pack

To install your Language Pack, use the same path, as in the FaLang Installation: "Joomla 2.5 Administration" - "Extension Manager" - "Install", select your Language Pack on your desktop and click to "Upload and Install".

If your installation was successful, you can check the installed language pack in the "Language Manager".

Path: "Joomla 2.5 Administration" - "Language Manager" - "Installed-Site"

Here you can also activate the default language of your site. The default language is visible by the golden star. The other displayed languages are the additional languages of your Joomla Website.

5.Step: Enable the required Plugins

Enable the plugins "System - FaLang Database Driver" and "System - Language Filter" in Plug-in Manager.

Use the path: "Joomla 2.5 Administration" - "Plug-In Manager", click on the checkboxes of the available plugins "System - FaLang Database Driver" and "System - Language Filter", and

push the button "Enable", top right. If this activation was successfull, the status of both plugins is enable. You can skip this step, if both plugins are already enable.

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6.Step: Configure the FaLang Language Switcher

To configure the FaLang Language Switcher go to the Module Manager in the Joomla 2.5 Administration.

Use follow path: "Joomla 2.5 Administration" - "Modul Manager" and click the "mod_falang - Modul"

In the Module Configuration you can change the titel of the modul and select a position of your site. It is important, that you set the "Status" to "published".

Here you can also set the "Basic Options" and the "Menu Assignment" of the FaLang Language Switcher.

7.Step: Check the display of the "FaLang Language Switcher" in the "Frontend" of your site

If the publication of the modul was sucessful, it will be displayed on the modul position, which you set, in the frontend of your site.

8.Step: Edit the list of content elements

To edit the list of content elements, use the path: "Joomla 2.5 Administration" - "Components" - "FaLang" - "Translation" and select your language in the "Languages Drop Down List", top right.

After that, the content will be displayed and you can edit the content, which you want. For this tutorial we choose our content "Categories".

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To edit your content, check your content and push the "Edit Button", top right.

Now you can translate your content. Begin with the translation of the "Field: Title" and the "Field: Alias".

Than, translate the "Articel Text" of your content, in the "Field: Articel Text", the original text of your content will be displayed above the editor.

 Last, you can translate the Meta Keywords and Meta Description of your content.

Fazit: Sure, the translation of your content with FaLang is extensive, but FaLang makes a unique and authentic translation of your content possible.