LOTR:Babel

Babel templates allow users to provide some information about the languages they use and their level of proficiency. The use of these templates also puts the user in appropriate language categories, so other users can find them. It also allows you to put some template labels together in a box.

Examples of Babel Templates

For example, a user who is fluent in English and can use it as a native speaker would use the template {{User en}} on his or her user page, or, when using this central template locally, {{wikicities:User en}}. The template would look like

en	This user is a native English speaker.

A user who wanted to indicate a lower (non-native equivalent) level of ability would use one of levels (0 not understand, 1 basic, 2 intermediate or 3 advanced). For example, someone with only a very basic level of Spanish ability would use the template {{User es-1}}:

es-1	Este usuario puede contribuir con un nivel básico de español.

Language Levels

The templates are in the format {{User language&level}} where "language&level" is the two/three letter code for the language. (See Wikipedia:ISO_639 if you don't already know it.) When no level is specified, it indicates someone is fluent at the level of a native speaker (Sometimes the letter N is used to indicate this native level of ability). The levels of ability are

• xx-0 the user does not understand this language.
• xx-1 for basic command (the ability to understand and answer simple questions in the language).
• xx-2 for an intermediate level of knowledge.
• xx-3 for advanced or fluent understanding (the ability to correct spelling and grammar errors in the language).
• xx or xx-N for native or equivalent.

Adding Babel Templates to Your User Page

1. Pick the templates (language and level) that describe your ability best.
2. Go to your user page and click "Edit profile".
3. Add the appropriate command to your user page.

Adding the templates will also add your user page to the appropriate language categories.

Example

You may want to put the template labels together in a box.

1. {{Babel|User en|User es-1}}

LOTR:Babel
en-1 This user is able to contribute with a basic level of English.
es-1 Este usuario puede contribuir con un nivel básico de español.
Search user languages

2. {{Babel|User en-3|User fr-2|User it|User la-2}}

LOTR:Babel
en-3 This user is able to contribute with an advanced level of English.
fr-2 Cette personne peut contribuer avec un niveau intermédiaire de français.
it Questo utente parla italiano come lingua madre (come prima lingua o con capacità equivalenti).
la-2 Hic usuarius media latinitate contribuere potest.
Search user languages

More Information

• LOTR:List of all Userboxes
• Babel templates
• Wikipedia:Babel
• Commons:Babel