manpages-de

Why don't we internationalise kernel messages?

The question arose a couple of times in the past, both in private mail to Joey and on the linux-kernel mailing list. Even though the answer seems to be quite obvious to those of use who are deep into the kernel and it's development model, it may not be that obvious for those who don't understand english and seek help understanding messages.

There are several reasons why this should not be done:

• It would bloat the kernel sources. The kernel is already huge and would grow up insanely if all messages were to be stored in 100+ languages as well.
• It would drastically increase the cost of maintaining the kernel message database.
• Kernel message output would slow down, since each time a message has to be spit out the kernel would have to determine which language to use first.
• English is the language in which the kernel sources are written, and thus is the language in which kernel messages are written. Developers cannot be expected to provide translations.
• Bug reports should be submitted in English, and that includes kernel messages. If kernel messages were to be output in some other language, most developers could not help in fixing bugs.
• Translation can be performed in user-space, there is no need to change the kernel. It's not that kernel messages are overly interesting for the averate user. They should use user-space tools like ifconfig etc. instead.
• Finally, it will not be done. No core developer supports this. Neither does Linus. Don't even ask.