Facebook is a great platform for connecting with friends and family across the globe. With users in over 100 different countries, there is a good chance your Facebook friends speak many different languages. Luckily, Facebook has a built-in translation tool that can help bridge the language gap. Facebook’s translation feature allows posts, comments, and chats to be translated into different languages with just a few clicks. This enables you to see Facebook content in your preferred language, even if it wasn’t originally posted in that language.
In this article, we’ll look at how Facebook’s translation tool works and the different ways you can translate content on Facebook. Whether you want to translate your own posts into other languages or read your friends’ posts in your native tongue, Facebook’s translation options have you covered. Read on to learn how to get Facebook content translated quickly and easily.
Enabling Translation in Facebook Settings
The first step to getting Facebook translations is to enable the translation setting in your Facebook account. Here’s how to do it:
1. Click on the down arrow in the top right corner of any Facebook page.
2. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
3. On the left side of the Settings page, click “Language”.
4. Under “Facebook language”, select the language you want to view Facebook in. This tells Facebook to translate content into the language you chose.
5. Under “Translation language”, select the language you want to translate posts into when using the translation feature.
Once you’ve updated these settings, Facebook will automatically detect posts in other languages and translate them into the language you selected under “Facebook language”. The translation language setting allows you to quickly translate your own posts into different languages.
Translating Individual Posts
Once translation is enabled, you can translate individual Facebook posts into different languages. Here’s how:
1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of a post.
2. Select “Translate post” from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose the language you want to translate the post into.
4. Click on “See translation” to view the translated text.
The original post will still be visible, but you’ll see the translated text above it. You can toggle between the original text and translated text by clicking “See original” or “See translation”.
Auto-Translating Posts in Other Languages
In addition to translating individual posts, you can have Facebook automatically translate posts that weren’t originally written in your selected Facebook language. Here’s how auto-translation works:
– When a friend makes a post in a different language, you’ll see a prompt above the post that says “See translation”.
– Click on “See translation” and Facebook will automatically translate the post into the language you have set.
– The translated text will appear above the original post. You can toggle between the two by clicking “See translation” and “See original”.
– Facebook will remember your translation preference for that post. So if you view the post again later, you’ll immediately see the translated version.
– You can also click on the three dots in the top corner of an auto-translated post to see the original text or re-translate it into a different language.
So by enabling translation in Settings, you can view all posts on Facebook in your preferred language, regardless of what language they were originally written in. The auto-translate feature eliminates the need to manually translate each post.
Translating Comments
Facebook will automatically translate comments on your posts that are in a different language than your set Facebook language. To see the translations:
– Look under posts you’ve made and check the comments sections.
– If there is a comment in a foreign language, you will see “Translated from [language]” above the comment text.
– Click on “See translation” to view the translated comment.
You can also manually translate comments by clicking the three dots next to the comment and selecting “Translate comment”. Facebook will translate the comment into your set translation language.
Translating Messages in Messenger
Facebook’s translation features also work in Messenger, allowing you to seamlessly chat with friends who speak different languages. Here’s how to translate messages in Messenger conversations:
1. Open a Messenger conversation with a friend whose messages are in a different language.
2. In the chat window, click on the “More” option (represented by three vertical dots).
3. Select “Turn on translation” from the drop-down menu.
4. Choose the language you want to translate your friend’s messages into.
5. Facebook will now automatically translate your friend’s messages into the chosen language as they are sent and received.
6. To undo translation, click “More” and select “Turn off translation”.
The “Turn on translation” option only appears when Messenger detects you are communicating with someone in a different language. Once enabled, you’ll see their messages in your language alongside the original text.
Reviewing Your Translation History
Facebook keeps track of all translations you make within the platform. You can review your translation history to see what content you’ve recently translated.
To view your translation history:
1. Click on the down arrow at the top right of Facebook.
2. Choose “Settings & Privacy” > “Settings”.
3. Go to “Language” under the Settings menu.
4. Scroll down and click on “See translation history”.
This will display a list of your recent translations, including the original text, translated text, language translated to/from, and date of translation. Review your history to stay on top of what content you’re translating on Facebook.
Granting Friends Access to Translated Posts
By default, only you can view the translated version of posts you translate in Facebook. However, you can grant specific friends access to see your translations:
1. Translate a post into another language using the “Translate post” option.
2. Click on the audience selector below the post (labelled “Public” or “Friends” generally).
3. Choose “Custom” from the drop-down menu.
4. Type in the names of friends you want to allow to view the translation.
5. Click “Done” to save the settings.
Now the friends you specified can see the translated version of your post when they view it. This lets you share translations seamlessly with select friends and family.
Troubleshooting Facebook Translation Issues
Facebook’s translation tools are very useful, but sometimes they can act up. Here are some common Facebook translation problems and how to fix them:
Issue: Translations are not showing up at all.
Fix: Go to your Language settings and make sure you have translation enabled for your account. Choose a Facebook language and translation language.
Issue: Translations seem inaccurate or nonsensical.
Fix: Facebook relies on machine translation which is imperfect. Try translating the post to a different language for a better result.
Issue: Only some posts are being translated automatically.
Fix: Facebook won’t translate very short posts (1-2 words) or posts primarily containing images. The text has to reach a certain length to trigger auto-translation.
Issue: Translated comments aren’t showing under posts.
Fix: Make sure the commenter’s language settings allow translation. You can only see translations of comments if the commenter has translation enabled.
Issue: Can’t find the “Translate post” option.
Fix: This option only appears for your own posts. For friends’ posts, you have to use auto-translate.
If issues persist, try toggling translation settings off and on again. Also report bugs to Facebook so they can improve the translation feature. With some troubleshooting, you can get Facebook’s translation tools working smoothly.
Using Third-Party Browser Extensions and Apps
Facebook’s built-in tools provide basic translation capabilities, but there are also third-party browser extensions and mobile apps that can enhance the translation experience:
– Translate for Facebook – Browser extension that translates Facebook posts, comments, and Messenger messages. Provides dictionary lookup.
– Metranslate for Facebook – Chrome extension that translates Facebook posts and comments inline. Supports over 100 languages.
– Facebook Translate – Android and iOS app that translates Facebook content in the mobile app. Can speak translations aloud.
– ImTranslator for Facebook – Browser extension and mobile app providing advanced translation and dictionary lookup.
– Easy Translate for Facebook – Chrome extension that bulk translates all Facebook content in a page with one click.
These tools add features like inline translations, audio pronunciation of translations, bulk translation capabilities, and easy language switching. Consider them if you need enhanced functionality beyond Facebook’s built-in translation options.
Conclusion
Facebook breaks down language barriers by providing powerful translation capabilities right within the platform. You can translate posts, comments, Messenger chats, and view Facebook in multiple languages. Enable translation in your Settings, use the “Translate post” and auto-translate options, and leverage Messenger’s translation features to see all Facebook content in your preferred tongue. Address any issues that come up using the troubleshooting tips. And if the built-in tools aren’t enough, install a third-party translation extension for added functionality. With Facebook’s translation tools at your fingertips, the world becomes a little smaller.