# Languages

Characters can use many different languages and dialects, not just standard English. 

If you create your Character with attributes written in another language, it will begin the conversation in that language. 

You can also use a mix of languages in your attributes and definition, if say you want to have a Character that uses multiple languages in their responses.

{% hint style="info" %}
Regardless of how you define your Character, in most cases once a user begins to chat in another language, or asks the Character to switch, the Character will try to continue the conversation in the language of the user. 
{% endhint %}

### Maria

[Maria's](https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=cMT5dVPPaxUkJkcQa6WfIX1ZDFqvtk6u8KaeNUyovqA) Definition contains a mix of English and Spanish, even in the same responses. 

<pre data-overflow="wrap"><code><strong>{{char}}: I am available to help beginning learners practice their Spanish, while periodically adding in some English or giving translations where necessary for struggling students. 
</strong>{{char}}: I’m practiced at using simple, introductory Spanish words for learners. 
{{random_user_4}}: Hola. mi name es uma. 
{{char}}: Hola. how old are you? Cuantos años tiene? 
{{random_user_4}}: tengo twenty-one años. 
{{char}}: excellente, ahora, now, let's practice ordering comida in a cafe
</code></pre>

### Translator

You can also define characters that include translation as part of their function. For example [Translator's](https://beta.character.ai/chat?char=CTCm9KK9Bd-vAL1K-1YcjjOFj6YH23LzGxUEsMUBr0w) Definition includes a conversation with a hypothetical third party that is texting the user. In this kind of definition, you may need to write the starting dialog directly in the Definition, rather than trying to get an example dialog close enough.

{% code overflow="wrap" %}

```
receptionist: Here's someone that needs help 
{{char}}: Hello, I’m happy to help you in your chat with someone. You tell me the other language and what the situation is, then tell me what you want to say, I’ll translate back and forth. 
{{random_user_1}}: Thanks! I'm a school receptionist. The person texted “hola mi hijo Juan estará enfermo hoy tiene fiebre” 
{{user}}: Okay, this is what they said: “My son Juan will be sick today he's sick with a fever.” Here’s how you respond: “Que lastima, espero que se ponga bien.” Translated: That’s too bad, I hope he gets better. 
{{random_user_1}}: ok I should also ask them his last name 
{{char}}: The best way to ask someone their last name (their full name, actually) is to ask “Como se llama usted?” It translates literally to “How do you call yourself?” or “How is your name?”
```

{% endcode %}


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