Facebook’s automatic translation feature allows you to view Facebook posts and comments in different languages without having to manually translate each one. This can be incredibly helpful if you have Facebook friends or Page followers who speak different languages. Here’s how to enable automatic translations on Facebook:
Enable Automatic Translations in Your Facebook Language Settings
The first step is to indicate which languages you want Facebook to automatically translate. To do this:
- Go to your Facebook Settings
- Click on “Language and Region” in the left sidebar
- Under “Facebook language”, select “English (US)” or whichever language you primarily use Facebook in
- Under “Translation language”, check the boxes next to all languages you want posts automatically translated to
- Scroll down and click “Save Changes”
Once you’ve checked the translation language boxes, Facebook will automatically translate posts and comments into those languages. This makes it easy to understand posts from friends and Page followers who speak different languages.
View Automatic Translations
When someone makes a post or comment in a different language, here’s how to view the automatic translation:
- Go to the post or comment written in a foreign language
- Hover your mouse over the post or comment
- Click on “See Translation” to expand the translated text
- The translated text will appear underneath in your selected language
The translation may not always be perfect, but it will give you the general gist of what the non-English post or comment says. The automatic translations can aid comprehension and make Facebook language barriers disappear.
Change the Translation Language
If you want to translate a post or comment into a different language:
- Hover over the foreign language post/comment
- Click the 3 dots icon in the top right corner
- Select “Translate” from the dropdown menu
- Choose your desired translation language
This will re-translate the post or comment into the language you select on the fly. It provides flexibility to get translations in multiple languages.
Automatic Translation for Facebook Pages
As a Facebook Page admin, you can also enable automatic translations on your Facebook Page posts and comments. This helps fans and followers read your content in their native language. To set it up:
- Go to your Facebook Page
- Click on “Settings” in the bottom left
- Select “Language” from the sidebar
- Under “Page translation languages”, check the boxes for languages you want automatic translations in
- Click “Save Changes” at the bottom
Page visitors will then see the option to translate your Page’s posts and comments into their language with one click. Breaking down language barriers to reach more people worldwide!
AUTO TRANSLATE: Pros and Cons
Facebook’s automatic translation feature provides several benefits, but also some downsides to keep in mind:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Understand posts in different languages – Bridge language gaps with friends/followers – Makes Facebook more accessible globally – Easy one-click translation interface |
– Translations aren’t always 100% accurate – Nuance and precise meaning can be lost – Doesn’t work for lengthy, complex posts – Not available for all language combinations |
When Auto Translate Works Best
Facebook’s auto translate feature excels at:
- Short, simple posts and comments
- Getting the general gist of a foreign language post
- Translating common words and phrases
- Letting you interact with foreign language content
When Alternative Translation May Be Better
For translating long, complex thoughts and ideas, an external translation service may result in higher quality translation. Consider a professional human translation for:
- Lengthy Facebook posts or articles
- Nuanced communication requiring precision
- Content where incorrect translation could cause harm
- Sensitive, private messages
Tips for Using Facebook’s Auto Translate
Here are some top tips for utilizing Facebook’s auto translation feature:
- Enable languages relevant to your friends/followers – Helps translation be more useful
- Use it more for understanding gist rather than precision
- Be patient with imperfect translations – AI translation still improving
- Combine auto + human translation when accuracy is critical
- Translate your own posts for foreign friends/followers too
The Bottom Line
Facebook’s automatic translation isn’t flawless, but it empowers basic communication across language barriers. Enabling automatic translation in your Settings opens posts and comments to comprehension across cultures. Though human translation may still be required for accuracy, auto translation removes a key friction in Facebook’s mission to connect the world.