Ciao Facebook!

From its conception, Facebook could already speak English. Spanish, French and German were tucked under its belt shortly after. As if understanding four languages isn’t enough for a four-year-old, Facebook now plans to charge forward to make the site accessible in Dutch, Italian, Norwegian and Polish.

OK, so we know Facebook isn’t a person—although it sure seems like it. But Facebook’s rapid customization is especially intriguing. Administrators are already daydreaming about making another 20 languages available, including Chinese, with the click of a button. Imagine: a simple download that switches the existing English-version site into a new dialect (unlike competitor MySpace’s separate versions for different countries).

From a business aspect, it makes sense. Online advertising is slouching in the United States, so countries abroad may help Facebook raise its roof even higher. And of course, you can connect more easily with your foreign friends. Who knows, maybe the future of Facebook could help you learn a new language! [Business Week]