about x-window configure

asmaster

how to change the default language of gnome.when i boot into x-window ,i can select the language ,But ,if boot into console ,via "startx" to run the w-window ,the language is english,i can't select .my native language is Chinese.i set the right locale .I also searched for it .Someone told to add "export LANG=zh_CN.UTF-8"to $HOME/.xinitrc.there's no this file in my home dicretion.I create it .after that,when i run "startx",it's failed to start x-window.the ~/.xsession-error file shows
Initializing gnome-mount extension
seahorse nautilus module initialized
Unrecognized number formatter: cjk-chinese-simp
Unrecognized number formatter: cjk-chinese-simp
Unrecognized number formatter: cjk-chinese-simp
Unrecognized number formatter: cjk-chinese-simp
.
.
.

how can i change the default language ,i have to .because if gnome is ni Enligsh ,i can't run the Chinses unput method...Any advise appreciated !