diff --git a/src/bitmessageqt/languagebox.py b/src/bitmessageqt/languagebox.py
index 6ce432bd..1b8d4942 100644
--- a/src/bitmessageqt/languagebox.py
+++ b/src/bitmessageqt/languagebox.py
@@ -22,12 +22,11 @@ class LanguageBox(QtWidgets.QComboBox):
         self.languages = []
         self.clear()
         localesPath = os.path.join(paths.codePath(), 'translations')
-        configuredLocale = "system"
         try:
             configuredLocale = BMConfigParser().get(
                 'bitmessagesettings', 'userlocale', "system")
         except:
-            pass
+            configuredLocale = "system"
         self.addItem(
             _translate("settingsDialog", "System Settings", "system"),
             "system"
@@ -39,14 +38,13 @@ class LanguageBox(QtWidgets.QComboBox):
         ):
             localeShort = \
                 os.path.split(translationFile)[1].split("_", 1)[1][:-3]
-            locale = QtCore.QLocale(localeShort)
             if localeShort in LanguageBox.languageName:
                 self.addItem(
                     LanguageBox.languageName[localeShort], localeShort)
-            elif locale.nativeLanguageName() == "":
-                self.addItem(localeShort, localeShort)
             else:
-                self.addItem(locale.nativeLanguageName(), localeShort)
+                locale = QtCore.QLocale(localeShort)
+                self.addItem(
+                    locale.nativeLanguageName() or localeShort, localeShort)
         for i in range(self.count()):
             if self.itemData(i) == configuredLocale:
                 self.setCurrentIndex(i)