Language Class

The Language Class provides functions to retrieve language files and lines of text for internationalization (i18n).

Location of Language Files

In your LavaLust framework folder, you will find a language/ sub-directory containing sample language files (such as en-US.php).

Example of a language file:

<?php
return array(
    /**
     * Other strings to be translated
     */
    'welcome'     => 'Hello {username} {type}',
    'first_link'  => '‹ First',
);

Adding a New Language

You can create new language files inside app/language. For example, to create a Filipino (Tagalog) translation file, create tl-PH.php:

<?php
return array(
    /**
     * Other strings to be translated
     */
    'welcome'     => 'Hello {username} {type}',
    'first_link'  => '‹ Una',
);

Switching Languages

Use the language helper functions language() and lang() to load and fetch translations.

<?php
$this->call->helper('language');

// Set the current language
language('tl-PH');

// Get the translated value of a key
echo lang('first_link');
// Output: ‹ Una

How It Works

• language($locale) Loads the specified language file and sets it as the active language.

• lang($key) Retrieves the translated string value from the active language file.

Note

If a key is missing in the chosen language file, LavaLust will try to fall back to the default language configured in config/config.php under $config['language'].

Summary

• Place language files in app/language/.

• Use associative arrays to define key-value pairs.

• Use language('locale') to switch languages at runtime.

• Use lang('key') to retrieve translated strings.