diff --git a/common.config b/common.config
index 9a597b28..ba234ac2 100644
--- a/common.config
+++ b/common.config
@@ -32,6 +32,10 @@
 #   validity or mountedness.
 #
 
+# all tests should use a common language setting to prevent golden
+# output mismatches.
+export LANG=C
+
 # Warning: don't put freeware before /usr/bsd on IRIX coz you'll
 #  get the wrong hostname and set your system name to -s  :)
 [ -d /usr/bsd ] && PATH=$PATH:/usr/bsd