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Use preferred browsing languages for extra practice

Most major websites are available in a variety of different languages. You can take advantage of this by setting a preference for your target language in your browser.

This way, you get extra exposure during your normal Web browsing. It’s particularly beneficial on familiar websites where you are already aware of the layout, as you get very easy practice.

If you’re having trouble using the Web after changing your settings, download the brilliant Perapera-kun plugin, or its equivalent for your browser. With or without the help of a plugin, your browsing experience will become frustrating at times, as previously easy tasks getting tricky and you find yourself trying to decipher web pages. This difficulty is just the price for progress in your target language, though, and it’s well worth it in the end.

Browsing in Chinese in Firefox

These instructions describe how to set Chinese as the preferred browsing language in Firefox 3, but all modern browsers should have this functionality.

First, go to Edit → Preferences.

[caption id="attachment_1753” align="aligncenter” caption="Click for full size”]Screenshot of the Edit menu in Firefox[/caption]

On the Content tab, go to _Choose _under the Languages heading.

[caption id="attachment_1754” align="aligncenter” caption="Click for full size”]A screenshot of the Content preferences tab in Firefox[/caption]

Click the _Select language to add… _drop-down, find Chinese [zh] and Add. It’s best to include the most general option for your target language; if you want to practice a particular character set or variation, add it as another preference in the top position.

[caption id="attachment_1756” align="aligncenter” caption="Click for full size”]A screenshot of the add languages drop-down in Firefox's preferences[/caption]

Then re-order the list to favour your target language when it’s available.

[caption id="attachment_1757” align="aligncenter” caption="Click for full size”]A screenshot of the language preferences list in Firefox's settings[/caption]

Now you get to enjoy your usual websites in your target language!

[caption id="attachment_1760” align="aligncenter” caption="Google UK in Chinese”]A screenshot of Google UK's Chinese version[/caption]


Contact me: mhg@eastasiastudent.net

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