[support] i18n question : $i18n_variables = array in settings.php

Hi, Most of my site is translated, but I want to be able to translate more fields (like profiles, footer message etc) However, Whenever I uncomment $i18n_variables = array('site_name'); (the actual list is very long) I lose my primary links, secondary links etc from the site display. I am trying to add to the list of translated variables (I want to translate my footer), but it seems Im doing it completely wrong. As of now, I have to leave it commented /*$i18n_variables = array( */ and have to settle for whats already allowed. How do I load all existing variables and add new ones? Whats the syntax? Thanks. V