diff --git a/src/main/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java b/src/main/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java
index 4a7deaece..f889627a1 100644
--- a/src/main/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java
+++ b/src/main/java/com/threerings/util/MessageManager.java
@@ -95,9 +95,24 @@ public class MessageManager
      * manager will use the new locale. The message bundle cache will also be cleared.
      */
     public void setLocale (Locale locale)
+    {
+        setLocale(locale, false);
+    }
+
+    /**
+     * Sets the locale to the specified locale. Subsequent message bundles fetched via the message
+     * manager will use the new locale. The message bundle cache will also be cleared.
+     *
+     * @param updateGlobal set to true if you want the global bundle reloaded in the new locale
+     */
+    public void setLocale (Locale locale, boolean updateGlobal)
     {
         _locale = locale;
         _cache.clear();
+
+        if (updateGlobal) {
+            _global = getBundle(GLOBAL_BUNDLE);
+        }
     }
 
     /**