I’m guessing all this language inclusion is priming the Kobo for an International release?
I haven't updated to 1.9.10 yet (actually still on 1.9.8, and wife's on 1.9.9). I preferred the non-fullscreen bookcovers believe it or not
Will report back when I get a chance to update, though it's heartening to hear that this appears to be resolving most people’s issues.