Alternative in-game:
Main Menu → Settings → Game Options → Language (but changing here often requires a restart anyway).

Need for Speed Payback does not support this. The "Locale" setting controls both audio and text simultaneously. No mod currently exists to decouple them. Your only workaround is to set the game to English and turn on closed captions (which are always English).

Best for a tutorial article or a forum help thread.

Title: How to Change Language Settings in Need for Speed Payback (PC & Console)

Introduction: One of the most confusing aspects of Need for Speed Payback for new players is the apparent lack of a language selector within the game menus. If you accidentally installed the game in the wrong language or want to practice a new language while racing, you won't find the option in the pause menu.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to swap your audio and text languages.

For PC Players (EA App / Origin): Unlike many modern games, NFS Payback handles language region via the launcher rather than the in-game settings.

For Console Players (PS4/Xbox One): On consoles, the language is determined by the system settings.

Conclusion: It’s a bit of a hassle that this isn't in the main menu, but once you know where to look, it’s an easy fix. Happy racing!

Similar to PlayStation, the game follows the console's system settings.

PC is the most flexible platform, but also the most confusing because the method differs depending on where you bought the game.