This question seems to have a long history, but I was somehow unable to find a straightforward answer to it. I am using Ubuntu 10.10 with two or three keyboard layouts (US, RU, DE). When I first added additional layouts, there appeared a 3-letter code of the layout at the keyboard icon in the notification area, like this (this is an image from another post):
However, after some weeks of working with Ubuntu, I now have just the keyboard icon, no layout code:
I've no idea why it has disappeared. How can I get it back? :)
Just installed Ubuntu 11.04. In a fresh installation with two layouts, I again have an indicator without doing anything for it. Puzzled.
BTW, in the login screen the layout indicated to the right from the password field is unreadable with the "flag icons" suggested as a solution above. With the standard layout indicator, the letters are shown, which is better. So any suggestions as to why the standard layout indicator may disappear are welcome.