A language controller (20) is described which can be installed on the front face of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in order to establish the language of the AED user interface. The language controller is in the form of a labeled plaque (210) which informs the user which language is currently in use. The plaque may also contain a button (222) which enables toggling from one language to another. Memory may also reside in the plaque to provide language data to the AED.