How to: Multilanguage site, but single language backend? I have almost completed my first Drupal 7 multilanguage test site. As long as I'm not logged in, I can browse through all pages and switch languages. When logged in, my first issue was that the backend language would switch, when switching the frontend language. I.e., the admin menus are translated, but should stay English (or whatever the editors preferred language is).

Then I found that in Configuration > Languages > Detection and Selection, I can select how the language is chosen. So: User first, then the backend stays in the user language. Fine. 
But then, the frontend stays in that language, too! So when logged in, I cannot browse all pages anymore, only the English ones ...

There must be a way to select front and backend languages independently.
How?
I know this post is getting old and the OP probably has this sorted by now but I came here looking for the same answer and thought I'd post a follow up for anyone looking for details. I've made this as easy and basic as possible in case you're new to Drupal.

My version is 7.21.

Ok, here's what I just did to get the back end in English and the site content in Spanish. I'm assuming you have all the translating modules installed and set up, etc.

Go to your admin profile and set your languages, for me its this:

Administration Language = Default administration language, currently English

Language Settings
Language = English

Then go get the Administration Language module that Patrick linked to. (its currently the Dev version but works fine for me, look in the red area for the DL). Install and enable.

Then go to Administration > Configuration > Regional and language > Languages:

Scroll to the bottom and you'll have an option of "Use administration language in the administration menu". 
Set that to Enabled

Save it and now everything should show in what ever language while the back end stays in the language you set for your admin profile.

I hope this helps!