🌍 Why Multilingual Support Matters in SharePoint

Multilingual intranet support in SharePoint ensures that users across different regions can access content in their preferred language. This is critical for global organizations and directly impacts how employees interact with internal platforms.

It improves accessibility by allowing users to understand information in their native language, increases engagement because localized content feels more relevant, and supports compliance by ensuring legal or procedural documents are clearly understood across regions.

🛠️ Key Features of SharePoint Multilingual Sites

1. Default Language Settings

Every SharePoint site has a default language, usually inherited from the Microsoft 365 tenant’s base location. For example, a tenant created in France typically defaults to French. This language controls system-level elements such as menus, settings, and default UI labels.

2. Adding Alternate Languages

Site owners can enable multilingual support directly from Site Settings. Once enabled, additional languages can be added, and translators can be assigned for each language. This activates SharePoint’s built-in page translation workflow.

3. Manual Translation Workflow

After alternate languages are configured, SharePoint automatically creates draft copies of pages for each selected language. Translators receive email notifications, translate the content manually, and publish it. End users then see a language selector on pages, allowing them to switch languages easily.

4. User Language Preferences

SharePoint respects the language set in a user’s Microsoft 365 profile. When translated content is available, users automatically see pages in their preferred language without needing to switch manually.

🧩 Role-Based Usage Paths

🔹 Site Owner

Responsible for configuring default and alternate languages, assigning translators, and overseeing multilingual content governance.

✍️ Editor

Creates and manages original content in the default language and coordinates with translators to ensure localized versions are accurate and up to date.

🌐 Translator

Translates draft pages, publishes localized versions, and ensures linguistic and cultural accuracy.

🛠️ Administrator

Manages permissions, validates multilingual configuration, and supports integrations such as Viva Connections for extended reach through Microsoft Teams.

🗂️ SharePoint Term Store Translation

Multilingual support in SharePoint goes beyond pages. The Term Store also supports multiple languages, allowing organizations to translate metadata used for tagging and navigation.

By adding alternate languages in the Term Store and translating term labels, users see metadata in their profile language. This greatly improves usability in document libraries and search experiences for global teams.

✅ Best Practices for Multilingual SharePoint Intranets

Use Communication Sites
Communication sites provide the best experience for multilingual publishing, including structured translation workflows and polished layouts.

Leverage Audience Targeting
Combine multilingual pages with audience targeting to deliver region- or language-specific content to the right users.

Integrate with Viva Connections
Embedding the intranet into Microsoft Teams through Viva Connections increases accessibility and adoption, especially for frontline and remote employees.

Maintain Clean Navigation and Design
Clear structure and consistent navigation are essential to avoid confusion when users switch between languages.

Secure Translation Workflows
Assign translator roles carefully and control publishing permissions to protect content quality and integrity.

📌 Conclusion

SharePoint’s multilingual capabilities enable organizations to build inclusive and globally accessible intranet experiences. By properly configuring languages, understanding user roles, and following best practices, teams can ensure their SharePoint intranet communicates effectively with every user—no matter where they are or which language they speak.

Mastering SharePoint Multilingual Intranet: Features, Roles, and Best Practices