The structure of Windows Skype language file
Encoding:
Language file must be in UTF_16 i e USC2 little endian encoding.
Structure:
Language file consists of text strings. E.g:
sF_OPENGROUPS_NEW_LB1=<b>%s</b> has been added to the shared group <b>%s</b>
sF_OPENGROUPS_NEW_LB1= is a field identifier and appoints where the text goes in UI code and it also gives some hints to the translator about the position of the text in user interface. So, the text in caps left from =” mark should not be translated.
Text on the right side of = should be translated with few exceptions, such as variables, bold tags, line breaks and links.
%s, %d are the variables. They hold a place in UI text for something that changes, depending on a specific user or case et c. %s usually marks a Skype Name, currency, number, amount, but sometimes also words like - call, chat, contact...
In an example sentence =<b>%s</b> has been added to the shared group <b>%s</b>
First variable marks a name of the contact who has been added and the second %s marks the name of the group. So - Mr. Bush has been added to the shared group Puud would be the final result showed in UI.
The sequence of the variables 1 one single string should stay the same as in English. In this example that means that the contacts name Mr. Pärn should be before the group name in a sentence, otherwise it would turn out in UI as Puud has been added to the shared group Mr. Pärn
<b>...</b> wrapped this time around the variables are bold tags and they turn text in UI bold. However you cannot turn text bold in a place you like, but only in a particular place where bold tags are used in en.lang
Historically _ (underline)_ has been also used to mark the text that should turn bold in UI, but this is almost omitted now.

If there is a need to add a break into text there are two ways –
For Skype window toolbar icon names and for (multi)chat toolbar icon names, one can use | (pipeline)
For the text in UI, one can use <br/>
E. g
sF_AVATAR_BROWSER_LB_KLONIE=Create your Skype identity with Klonies avatars.<br/><a href="skype:?personalize.pictures.klonie">Create a Klonie</a>

Linked text in UI is marked as <a href="skype:?go-redirect-link">This text here gets linked</a> . So - <a href="skype:?personalize.pictures.klonie">Create a Klonie</a> is a result.

For adding a new link into UI, one has to request a redirect link from the web team at first.

<center>text .</center> aligns text into a centre. Looks like that in UI:
sADDPSTNUSER_MESSAGE=<center>The number is not in your Contact List.<br/>To add <b>%s</b>, click the icon above.</center>


Editing and working with the Skype Language file with Skype Windows Language Editor

There is a quite good language file editor in Skype Windows client. To find that, one has to go in Skype main window toolbar Tools-> Change Language->select the particular language needed, then again Tools->Change Language->Edit Skype Language File

The text editor opens.


There are 4 columns in text editor
.
1. column marks line number
2. column is for the field identifier
3. column for the text in English original (based on what all the other languages are done
4. column is for the translation

Clicking on the header of particular column will sort the data from A-Z in that particular column (and in others based on selected column)
One can search for the particular word or phrase in language file by writing it into a relevant field on upper left side and click Search (Buscar - in the picture) If you want to repeat the search, click again on the button besides the search field or press F3. Once searched the file through, it doesn’t jump up and start all over again, however. Just scrolling up and clicking of first line will do the trick.

The rightmost column is the most important from the point of translations. One can edit the text there by clicking on the field or by double-clicking and opening the translation window.

It is possible to cut, copy and paste the text.

After changing the text, click Save As and save the language file in utf 16 encoding, with .lang extension. You can also apply the changes you did and see them in Skype UI right away by clicking Apply and there is also a possibility to load an external (or once already edited and saved) Skype language file in by clicking Load on the upper left corner of the language editor.

Editing the Skype language file with external tools/language editors.

It is possible and easy to open the Skype language file also in other text editors. Notepad or WordPad is the most common and most simple one and present in every Windows OS based computer, however the encoding possibilities are a bit limited and the line number are displayed. Therefore Scite and Edit Plus are better.

Other useful applications for working wit language files:

Winmerge - http://winmerge.sourceforge.net/
Good for comparing the language files from different versions
Creating change log (Tools->Generate Patch)

How to name the language file
When you create a new post and upload a language file, please be sure to name your language file in the following way:
language_Skypeversionused_date_yourname.lang
Example: French_0.96.0.3_20040129_mark.lang

I am new here, i want to know where i can find all the defoult lang files wich are in skype?

I dont have a problem because my languege is in skype and I dont have to download it.

I'm nearly 40 and this is my first time in a forum of any kind, so I hope I'm doing it right!
I use Skype regularly, but I'm disappointed that the Klonie I designed and paid for is non-existant.
Does anyone have any ideas how I can activate/retrieve my Klonie without paying for it again.
Thanks!