Creating a multilingual agent with Microsoft Copilot Studio

Introduction

In our interconnected world, it is essential for applications and agents to communicate effectively across various languages. Microsoft Copilot Studio enables users to create multilingual agents effortlessly. In this article, we will walk through the steps to set up your agent in multiple languages using Microsoft Copilot Studio.

Getting Started with Copilot Studio

To begin, navigate to the Copilot Studio homepage. Here, we will create a new agent and configure its language settings.

1. Create a New Agent: Click on the Create tab and select New Agent.

2. Select Language: In the conversational setup interface, you will notice the default language is English on the right side. Click on Edit Language to change the primary agent language. A dropdown menu will appear with various languages.

   For example, if you want to set the language to Spanish, select it and save your settings. Keep in mind that once created, the primary language of the agent cannot be changed.

Adding Additional Languages

Now, let's explore how to add additional languages to your agent:

1. Agent Creation Using Templates: If you prefer starting with a template, go to Home and then click on Team Navigator.

2. Connect to Data: Use the Office 365 Users connector to set up a connection. After establishing the connection, select Create.

3. Edit Language Settings: Initially, only English may be available in the languages settings. However, after the agent is created, you can go to Settings, then to Languages, to add multiple languages.

   For instance, you can add Dutch and French as additional languages. If desired, you can remove any unnecessary languages.

Localization and Translation

Once you have set up the desired languages, you can start configuring your agent’s localization:

1. Upload Localizations: Click on Upload under localization settings. You will have the option to download existing translations as either a JSON or a RESX file.

2. Editing Translations: Open the downloaded files in a code editor like Visual Studio Code. Here, you can translate strings from English to your desired language, such as Dutch or French.

   For example, the English phrase "Hello, I'm your virtual assistant" can be translated to "Hallo, ik ben jouw virtuele assistent" in Dutch.

3. Upload Translations: After making necessary translations, save the file and return to Copilot Studio to upload it back. Remember that uploading a new localization file will overwrite existing translations.

Switching Languages in the Agent

After updating the translations, you can easily switch between languages in your agent:

1. Change Language: Within the agent settings, click on More, then choose Language. The language toggle appears once you’ve added additional languages.
2. Select Language: You can choose between English and your newly added language, for instance, Dutch. The agent will then display responses in the selected language.

With these steps, you can effectively create a multilingual agent in Microsoft Copilot Studio, allowing you to cater to users across different languages seamlessly.

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Keywords

• Multilingual Agents
• Microsoft Copilot Studio
• Agent Creation
• Language Configuration
• Localization
• Translation
• Templates
• JSON
• RESX

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FAQ

Q1: Can I change the primary language of the agent after it is created?
A1: No, once the primary language is set and the agent is created, it cannot be changed.

Q2: How can I add additional languages to my agent?
A2: You can add additional languages by going to the agent's settings and selecting the languages option.

Q3: What formats can I download the localization files in?
A3: Localization files can be downloaded in either JSON or RESX formats.

Q4: How do I switch the language of my agent after adding multiple languages?
A4: You can switch languages by clicking on More, then choosing Language, from the agent's settings. A toggle will appear allowing you to select the desired language.

Q5: Will updating the localization file overwrite previous translations?
A5: Yes, uploading a new localization file will overwrite all past translations.