Unlocking ILIAS Potential: Language File Adaptation

ILIAS offers a wealth of features and functionalities that cater to diverse educational needs. However, one often overlooked yet powerful aspect of ILIAS customization is adapting language files. This adaptation allows administrators to tailor the platform's linguistic aspects, offering a more personalized and user-friendly experience for learners and educators.

The files that are used to display screen messages are located in the directory ./lang . In this directory there are files for each language. The file that is responsible for english language is the file ilias_en.lang .

Step 1 - Find the screen message in default lang file

The initial step involves locating the screen message within the default language file that requires modification. In our tutorial, we'll edit the message "Category added," visible upon category creation. We'll locate it either in the ./lang/ilias_en.lang file.

Step 2 - Create file for custom language screen messages

Following that, your next action should be generating a custom language file for screen messages. This file must be established within the ./Customizing/global/lang/ directory. When modifying the English language, ensure the file is named ilias_en.local.lang .

touch Customizing/global/lang/ilias_en.local.lang

To modify the message "Category added," insert the following content into this file:

<!-- language file start -->
common#:#cat_added#:#You have created a category

Step 3 - Activate local language

Activate the local language by incorporating the provided content into your config.json file, utilized during the installation procedure, and proceed to update the installation.

"language" : {
    "default_language" : "en",
    "install_languages" : [
        "en"
    ],
    "install_local_languages" : [
        "en"
    ]
}

sudo php setup/setup.php update config.json

Step 4 - Install with Custom file

To ensure your alterations appear in screen messages, perform the "Install with Custom file" action in the Administration > System Settings and Maintenance > Languages section for your chosen language. In our scenario, this action is executed for the English language.

Upon category creation, your personalized screen message becomes visible.

Conclusion

Adapting language files in ILIAS empowers administrators to personalize the platform, creating a more engaging and user-friendly environment. By following the steps outlined and understanding the significance of language file adaptation, ILIAS users can harness the platform's full potential and provide a more immersive learning experience.

Unlock the power of language customization in ILIAS to elevate user engagement and foster a more inclusive learning community.