The Invisible Translation Layer
Google Docs is deeply integrated with Google’s massive translation engine. Because it is a cloud-based platform, Docs attempts to be as intelligent as possible regarding localization. If you frequently collaborate with international teams, Docs might attempt to automatically detect the primary language you are typing in. More importantly, if you utilize the “Translate document” feature (found under the Tools menu), Google generates a completely new, translated copy of your file and assigns that new language to the document’s underlying metadata.
The problem arises when the automatic language detection misfires, or when you are intentionally writing a document that heavily mixes two languages (like an English textbook teaching Spanish grammar). If Docs incorrectly decides your document’s primary language has changed, it alters the behavior of the built-in spell checker. Suddenly, all your English words are underlined in red because Docs is trying to spell-check them against a Spanish dictionary. If you need absolute control over which dictionary Google Docs uses to evaluate your writing, you must manually enforce the document language.
How to Enforce the Document Language
You can prevent Docs from guessing your language by explicitly locking it in via the File menu.
- Open your document in Google Docs.
- Look at the top toolbar and click on the File menu.
- Scroll down the dropdown list until you see Language. Hover your mouse over it.
- A secondary menu will slide out displaying a massive list of global languages. The currently active language will have a checkmark next to it.
- If Docs has automatically changed it to the wrong language, scroll through the list and click on your preferred language (e.g., English (United States)) to force the change.
By manually selecting the language from this menu, you override the automatic detection algorithms and force the spell checker to evaluate your text against your chosen, fixed dictionary.