Since we launched map internationalization earlier this week [1], a number of users have
asked about the map language-fallback schemes and how communities can change their
fallbacks (e.g., this exchange [2]).
I added a post today [3] to the Map Improvements project page that goes into detail about
language fallbacks. It explains how to request a change and gives an example of why some
less widely translated languages, at least, might want to consider adding to their
fallbacks.
I’m sure there are many angles on this question we haven’t considered. If you have
thoughts or questions, please share them on the project talk page [4]. We’re listening.
[1]
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Map_improvements_2018#May_9,_2018:_Map_inter…
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Map_improvements_2018#May_9,_2018:_Map_internationalization_launched_everywhere%E2%80%94and_embedded_maps_now_live_on_276_Wikipedias>
[2]
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Topic:Ubzgfi8j4bdsqe9p
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Topic:Ubzgfi8j4bdsqe9p>
[3]
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Map_improvements_2018#May_11,_2018:_Should_y…
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Map_improvements_2018#May_11,_2018:_Should_your_wiki_change_its_map_fallback_language>?
[4]
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Talk:Map_improvements_2018
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Talk:Map_improvements_2018>
_____________________
Joe Matazzoni
Product Manager, Collaboration
Wikimedia Foundation, San Francisco
"Imagine a world in which every single human being can freely share in the sum of all
knowledge."