Exploring SharePoint 2010's Multilingual User Interface

Introduction to SharePoint 2010 MUI

SharePoint Server 2010 introduced a significant feature aimed at global enterprises: the Multilingual User Interface (MUI). Unlike traditional translation tools, the MUI does not translate content but allows for the interface elements such as site titles, descriptions, and navigation links to be displayed in multiple languages. This capability is crucial for organizations operating in multilingual environments, ensuring that employees across different regions can navigate and use SharePoint sites in their preferred language.

How Does It Work?

Setting Up MUI

To utilize the MUI, administrators must first install the necessary language packs on the SharePoint server. These packs are available for all supported languages and once installed, the MUI can be enabled on a per-site basis through the site settings. This flexibility allows for customized language settings across different sites within the same SharePoint deployment.

User Interaction with MUI

Upon MUI activation, a language picker is displayed at the top right corner of the SharePoint site, enabling users to select their preferred language. This selection dynamically changes the display language of the site's user interface elements including:

• Site title and description
• SharePoint’s default menus and actions
• Out-of-the-box and custom list or site columns
• Navigation bar links
• Managed Metadata services

It's important to note that while MUI changes the interface language, the content created by users remains in the language it was originally entered in.

Impact on SharePoint Elements

The MUI impacts several aspects of the SharePoint user interface:

• Standard UI Elements: All default SharePoint interface elements are translated.
• Navigation Menus: Supports multilingual scenarios. If a user switches their language preference, specific menu nodes in the navigation will reflect this change.
• List Column Headings: These are also subject to language settings.
• Managed Metadata Fields: These fields are capable of supporting multilingual content, enhancing metadata management across languages.

Benefits of Using SharePoint MUI

The introduction of MUI in SharePoint 2010 offers numerous benefits:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates better collaboration among users who speak different languages.
• Increased Adoption: Reduces barriers to adoption for non-English speaking users, encouraging more widespread use of SharePoint within the company.
• Customization and Flexibility: Allows organizations to tailor their SharePoint sites to meet the linguistic needs of their diverse workforce.

Conclusion

SharePoint 2010’s Multilingual User Interface is more than just a feature—it's a necessary tool for businesses operating on a global scale, ensuring that all employees, regardless of their language, can effectively use SharePoint to collaborate and manage content. As companies continue to expand internationally, features like the MUI will play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless communication and workflow across diverse linguistic landscapes.

For more information on SharePoint’s capabilities and other related products, visit Microsoft SharePoint 2007, and explore free SharePoint templates to enhance your SharePoint experience.