In order to install an additional language in `dom0`, e.g. German: In a `dom0` terminal, execute
`sudo qubes-dom0-update langpacks-de`
Then reboot.
Before logging in, the task panel will show - usually far to the right - the current language, e.g. `C.UTF-8`. Clicking on this value will open a menu where you can select the GUI language, i.e. the interface language of Qubes used in `dom0` and in the menus, like Whiskers. Note, however, that the language of some Qubes utilities like the Qube Manager does not change, and any Templates and AppVMs based on these Templates retain their language.
This need only be done once; the selected language survives logging out and reboot.
Changing the language of Templates and the AppVMs based on them
For other languages, the corresponding code has to be used, e.g. `fr` for French. After installing a language, it has to be selected/enabled via the settings of the Template.
New Templates will be installed in their default language, usually English, and they have to be changed just like existing Templates. The language of Windows Templates is determined at the installation of the operating system and can be changed afterwards if the installed edition is a multi-language edition; otherwise the language stays fixed.
AppVMs started after this change will inherit the language from the corresponsing Template.
The pinyin input method will be installed in a TemplateVM to make it available after restarts and across multiple AppVMs.
1. In a TemplateVM, install `ibus-pinyin` via the package manager or terminal.
If the template is Fedora-based, run `sudo dnf install ibus-pinyin`.
If the template is Debian-based, run `sudo apt install ibus-pinyin`
2. Shut down the TemplateVM.
3. Start or restart an AppVM based on the template in which you installed `ibus-pinyin` and open a terminal.
4. Run `ibus-setup`.
5. You will likely get an error message telling you to paste the following into your bashrc:
export GTK_IM_MODULE=ibus
export XMODIFIERS=@im=ibus
export QT_IM_MODULE=ibus
Copy the text into your `~/.bashrc` file with your favorite text editor.
You will need to do this for any AppVM in which you wish to use pinyin input.
6. Set up ibus input as you like using the graphical menu (add pinyin or intelligent pinyin to selections).
You can bring the menu back by issuing `ibus-setup` from a terminal.
7. Set up your shortcut for switching between inputs.
By default it is super-space.
If `ibus-pinyin` is not enabled when you restart one of these AppVMs, open a terminal and run `ibus-setup` to activate ibus again.
For further discussion, see [this qubes-users thread](https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/qubes-users/languge/qubes-users/VcNPlhdgVQM/iF9PqSzayacJ).
