What command is used to set the language environment variable in Linux?

The command used to set the language environment variable in Linux is LANG. This environment variable is a fundamental part of internationalization (i18n) in Linux and Unix-based systems, as it dictates the locale settings for programs running in the shell. By setting the LANG variable, users can control the language in which system messages, date formats, and other locale-dependent output will appear.

For example, executing a command like export LANG=fr_FR.UTF-8 would change the language of the terminal sessions to French (specifically the French locale as used in France), affecting the output of commands and system messages. Properly configuring the LANG variable is essential for users who prefer to interact with their systems in different languages, ensuring a more user-friendly experience.

The other options do not serve the same purpose: setlang, locale, and langset are either non-standard or lack the specific function of setting the primary language environment. While locale provides information about current locale settings, it does not set the language itself; similarly, the commands setlang and langset are not standard commands in Linux for configuring language settings.