How do multisite themes handle multilingual support

1. Choosing Multilingual-Ready Themes

Select themes that are specifically designed to support multilingual functionality. These themes typically include:

- Translation Files: Themes should come with .po and .mo files, which facilitate the translation of theme strings into different languages.
- RTL Support: For languages that are read right-to-left, ensure the theme includes RTL stylesheets.

Many themes available in the WordPress Theme Directory are marked as "translation-ready," which means they are prepared for localization efforts[2].

2. Using Multilingual Plugins

To enhance multilingual capabilities, consider using plugins such as WPML or TranslatePress. These plugins allow you to:

- Manage Translations: WPML, for example, enables you to set different languages for each subsite within the Multisite network and manage translations effectively.
- Domain Mapping: WPML supports different domains for each language, allowing for a more tailored user experience. This requires additional configuration, such as using a drop-in plugin called `sunrise.php` to manage domain settings[3].

3. Site-Specific Language Settings

In a Multisite network, each subsite can have its own language settings. This allows for:

- Localized Content: Each subsite can be configured to display content in a specific language, making it easier to cater to diverse audiences[4].
- Unique Themes per Site: You can activate different themes for each subsite, which can be beneficial if certain themes are better suited for specific languages or cultural contexts.

4. Content Management Challenges

While Multisite offers flexibility, it also presents challenges:

- Manual Replication: Changes made to the primary site often need to be replicated across subsites, which can be labor-intensive.
- Complex Configuration: Each site may require individual configuration for themes and plugins, adding to the complexity of managing a multilingual network[1].

5. Recommendations for Implementation

- Select Compatible Themes: Choose themes that are known to work well with multilingual plugins and have been tested in Multisite environments. Popular options include themes from ThemeForest and Elegant Themes, which offer built-in multilingual support[4].

- Test Thoroughly: Before deploying a theme across your network, test its multilingual capabilities to ensure it meets your needs without causing performance issues.

By carefully selecting multilingual-ready themes and utilizing robust translation plugins, you can effectively manage a multilingual WordPress Multisite network, enhancing user experience and engagement across different languages.