diff --git a/src/rougail/i18n.py b/src/rougail/i18n.py
index 252485a04..f94076230 100644
--- a/src/rougail/i18n.py
+++ b/src/rougail/i18n.py
@@ -27,6 +27,6 @@ along with this program.  If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 from gettext import translation
 from pathlib import Path
 
-t = translation('rougail', str(Path(__file__).parent / 'locale'))
+t = translation('rougail', str(Path(__file__).parent / 'locale'), fallback=True)
 
 _ = t.gettext