[FEATURE] Support i18n / language localization for built-in slash command outputs
Preflight Checklist
- [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
- [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)
Problem Statement
Summary
Built-in slash commands (e.g., /help, /config, /clear) always output
responses in English, even when the user has configured a non-English language
preference in their CLAUDE.md (global or project-level).
## Current Behavior
- User sets
CLAUDE.mdwith instruction: "Always reply in Chinese." - AI model responses correctly follow this instruction.
- However, built-in command outputs (e.g.,
/help) are hardcoded in English
and completely bypass the model — so they are always in English regardless
of user preference.
## Expected Behavior
Built-in slash command outputs should respect either:
- A language setting in
~/.claude/settings.json(e.g.,"language": "zh-CN"), or - The language instruction defined in the user's global
CLAUDE.md, or - The system locale / OS language setting as a fallback.
## Motivation
Non-English speaking users configure language preferences in CLAUDE.md
expecting a consistent experience across all Claude Code interactions.
The current inconsistency — where AI responses are localized but CLI outputs
are not — is confusing and breaks the expected UX contract.
## Environment
- Claude Code version: (2.1.153 (Claude Code))
- OS: (Windows 10 21H2 amd64)
- Shell: ( 5.1.19041.3031)
Proposed Solution
- Add i18n support to the CLI layer for built-in command outputs.
- Alternatively, expose a
languagefield insettings.jsonthat the CLI
respects when rendering built-in command text.
Alternative Solutions
none
Priority
High - Significant impact on productivity
Feature Category
Interactive mode (TUI)
Use Case Example
Steps to reproduce the inconsistency:
- Open Claude Code terminal
- Ask the AI a normal question in any language
- Input:
为什么内置命令不支持中文? - Result: ✅ AI responds in Chinese — CLAUDE.md language rule is respected
- Run a built-in slash command
- Input:
/help - Result: ❌ Output is entirely in English — CLAUDE.md language rule is ignored
Expected:
Both AI responses and built-in command outputs should respect the language
preference configured in CLAUDE.md.
Actual:
Built-in commands bypass the AI model entirely and always output in English,
creating an inconsistent multilingual experience for non-English users.
Additional Context
_No response_
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