Feature Request: Default Language for New Transcriptions #69
Description
Summary
Allow users to set a default language for new transcriptions.
This language will be automatically preselected in the Transcription Settings modal whenever the user starts a new transcription (single or batch).
The default can always be changed per transcription.
Purpose
Many users repeatedly transcribe material in the same language.
Requiring them to manually select the language each time creates unnecessary friction and increases the risk of accidental misselection.
This feature aims to:
- Reduce repetitive configuration
- Lower the risk of incorrect language selection
- Improve workflow efficiency
- Make the interface feel faster and more intuitive
User Experience
Setting the Default Language
In the User settings, there should be an option:
Default transcription language
The user selects their preferred language from the same list available in the transcription modal.
Key characteristics:
- Applies only to the individual user
- Can be changed at any time
- Can be reset to the system default
Starting a New Transcription
When the user clicks TRANSCRIBE for a given file or batch and opens the Transcription Settings modal:
- The Language dropdown is preselected with the user’s saved default language.
- The user can freely change the language before starting the transcription.
- Changing the language in the modal does not update the saved default in the User settings.
This behavior must be consistent for:
- Single-file transcription
- Batch transcription
Out of Scope
This feature applies only to the language setting.
It does not:
- Force a specific language
- Prevent users from changing the language in the transcription settings modal
- Automatically update the saved default based on temporary selections in the transcription settings modal
- Apply to other settings (verbatim, number of speakers, output format)
Acceptance Criteria
- Users can define a default language in their personal settings.
- The selected default language is automatically preselected in the transcription modal.
- Users can override the language per transcription.
- Overriding the language does not change the saved default.
- Works for both single and batch transcription flows.
Rationale for the Higher Education Context
In research and education environments:
- Users often process large volumes of material in one primary language.
- Incorrect language selection can negatively impact transcription quality.
- Streamlined workflows reduce support burden and improve overall usability.
A user-level default language improves efficiency while maintaining clarity and full user control.