OS Language Detection, or Country Detection via IP

What's best for determing what language content to serve a user?

[neophyte]

Hello All -

I've got a project that requires the loading of specific "language" content once the home page loads.

I'd heard about "sniffers" that could detect and return the language of the users OS, so I though that would be a good way to go. I have found a nice function written in PHP that does return the primary and full language ID (i.e. "en" and "en-us", etc.) for the "visiting" OS, so I think I'm all set... or am I?

Being COMPLETELY NEW to multi-lingual sites, I'm now second-guessing my strategy and am now wondering if if utilizing a "country detection" routine via IP address is really the better way to go.

The only languages I need to detect - for this project - are English (US), English (UK), Spanish, French, German, Dutch (Netherlands), Japanese and Italian.

Any and all opinions greatly appreciated!

Neophyte

[henry0]

The solution is content negociation
here are some readings:

start by This one [w3.org]
read it, then be sure to d-load the src code it is very well commented. (follow the link somewhere before the page bottom)

Next read
This one [webmasterworld.com]

[neophyte]

henryO -

I'd never heard of content negociation - thanks so much for the link(s). Looks like I've got more studying to do!

Neophyte

[neophyte]

henryO -

I've read the first link. Very interesting. but >>follow the link somewhere before the page bottom<< could you specify which link has the commented code? I looked at the source of Tokyo Art Beat but that page wasn't really very helpful so I think I'm following the wrong link.

Appreciate your help.

Neophyte

[henry0]

Hi neophyte
the commented script
is HERE [w3.org]

<edit> A few months ago I had a potential client (in translation business) that needed something offering 5 or 6 languages, it never went through. but they are back and now I will also dig in it, so please keep us posted on your progess</edit>