Evie_Tao is seeking help to update or replace the deprecated header-locale-selector theme component, which is incompatible with Discourse’s new Glimmer-based header system. They ask whether built-in admin settings or alternative plugins can provide similar language-switching functionality in the header. Lilly confirms the component is currently broken. In reply, Evie_Tao clarifies they’re looking for officially supported, user-friendly, and multi-language-compatible solutions that integrate with the new header and latest Discourse versions. pfaffman suggests the built-in Content Localization feature may suffice, though it’s not a direct replacement. nat confirms the new Content Localization header works well and requires enabling ‘Content Localization Language Switcher’ and supported locales in settings. pfaffman follows up, asking if this built-in feature makes the old theme component obsolete. The community suggests leveraging Discourse’s native Content Localization as the recommended path forward.
I am currently using the header-locale-selector component on my Discourse forum to provide users with an easy way to switch languages from the header. Recently, I received the following admin notice:
I understand that Discourse is deprecating the legacy widget rendering system and that this component would need to be updated to work with the new Glimmer components system. Unfortunately, I do not have experience with Ember or Glimmer, and I would appreciate help from the community to either update this component or suggest alternatives.
My questions:
Has similar language selector functionality been added to Discourse Core or is there an officially supported method for letting users quickly change their interface language in the header?
Are there any actively maintained theme components that provide this feature and are already compatible with the new header system?
If an update or rewrite is necessary, are there migration guides, code examples, or perhaps someone willing to help provide a code update or pull request?
Are there any built-in admin configurations that can directly support the language switching functionality that the header locale selector provided? For example, settings within the Discourse admin interface that might enable a similar user experience without requiring custom development?
If built-in options are limited, what plugins or custom modifications are recommended by the community to implement a language switcher in the header? I’ve seen discussions about multilingual sites and language preferences during registration, but I’m particularly interested in solutions that are:
Compatible with the latest Discourse versions and the new header widgets.
User-friendly and accessible.
Effective for handling multiple languages seamlessly.
Any insights or workarounds from those who have already addressed this change would be greatly appreciated. For instance, are there theme components or other extensions that can mimic this functionality?
It shouldn’t be too hard to re-make that theme component according to current standards, but no one has done it and it looks like there hasn’t been a surge of interest. If you’ve got a budget you could ask in Marketplace .
