Change the original language for all the WPML entities

This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.

Problem:
The client needs to change the origin language of their multilingual site from Greek to German for all WPML-enabled entities like products, pages, posts, and taxonomies.
Solution:
Firstly, to change the default language of the site, navigate to WP-admin -> WPML -> Languages -> Site Languages and click on "Change default language", then select the new language and Save.

However, to change the origin language for translating WooCommerce attributes and other entities, there is no straightforward way to adjust this within WPML settings directly. A possible workaround involves exporting all categories/products, deleting them from the website, and then re-importing them in the new origin language. For this process, use the following documentation links:

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have installed the latest versions of themes and plugins. Additionally, if you need further assistance, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum.

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This topic contains 4 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Marsel Nikolli 1 year, 11 months ago.

Assisted by: Marsel Nikolli.

Author	Posts
June 3, 2024 at 2:18 pm #15698160
greek-yellowP	The site has currently three languages, Greek, English and German. Currently the origin language is Greek. I want to eventually have only German in the site but for the process I have in mind, I should be able to switch the original language from Greek to German. How can I do that massively for all the site wpml-enabled entities like products, pages, posts, taxonomies etc. Thanks for your prompt reply!
June 3, 2024 at 2:55 pm #15698254
Marsel Nikolli	Hi, Thank you for contacting WPML Support, I will gladly help you. To change the default language of the site you only need to go to WP-admin ->WPML -> Languages -> Site Languages and click on “Change default language”, then select the new language and Save. * Note: Please make sure you have a full backup of your website before making any updates/changes to your website. Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance. Kind regards, Marsel
June 4, 2024 at 7:10 am #15699867
greek-yellowP	Hello and thanks for attending my request, Still, I need guidance in order to change not the DEFAULT SITE LANGUAGE, but the ORIGIN LANGUAGE, so as when I try to translate a WooCommerce attribute, the SOURCE language for that translation is a different one than what it is now. I want the language of reference to be chagned, can it be done and how? Thanks in advance! David.
June 4, 2024 at 7:14 am #15699872
greek-yellowP	Appending a screenshot for the previous comment...
June 4, 2024 at 1:54 pm #15702338
Marsel Nikolli	Hi David, I am sorry for the misunderstanding. I am afraid there is no easy way to change everything to meet your needs. It could be a solution to export all categories/products, delete them from your website, and then re-import them again in English. - https://wpml.org/documentation/plugins-compatibility/export-multilingual-websites-using-wp-all-export-wpml/ - https://wpml.org/documentation/related-projects/wpml-all-import-plugin-website-import-with-wpml/ I hope this information was helpful. Kind regards, Marsel
June 4, 2024 at 2:18 pm #15702418
greek-yellowP	Ok, thank you for the suggestion, will attempt!