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

Problem:
The client was adding Portuguese to their website and encountered multiple strings with the same content. They were unsure why this was happening and whether they needed to translate the same string multiple times.

Solution:
We confirmed that the method the client was using to add a new language and start translating strings was correct. We explained that strings with the same content but different domain and name likely come from different sources on the website. When translating text, WPML stores it in memory, so previously saved translations will automatically fill in when translating the exact text again. For further details on string translation, we provided a documentation link:
https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/string-translation/

We also opened a new ticket for the client's additional question to assist other users with similar issues and provided a link to the new forum topic.

If you're experiencing this issue, we recommend checking the documentation on string translation and ensuring that you're translating strings correctly. However, if this solution does not apply to your case because it might be outdated or not relevant, we suggest opening a new support ticket. 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. If further assistance is needed, please contact us in the WPML support forum.

This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.

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This topic contains 4 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Andrey 7 months, 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Andrey.

Author Posts
April 23, 2024 at 10:49 am #15555268

unicR

Hello, I am adding a new language to my website, Portuguese. I find multiple strings with the same content. Why is this happening? Do I have to translate the same thing multiple times?

I have added the new language and then started translating the strings. Is this the best way to do it?

I send an example screenshot

hidden link is my url

Screen Shot 2024-04-23 at 1.43.59 PM.png
April 23, 2024 at 12:16 pm #15555839

Andrey
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+02:00)

Thank you for contacting WPML support.

Yes, the method you are using is correct.

As far as I can see, the domain and name are different, so these strings probably come from different sources on your website.

Whenever you translate any text, it is stored in memory. This means that the previously saved translation will be automatically filled in when you begin translating the exact text again.

https://wpml.org/documentation/getting-started-guide/string-translation/

April 24, 2024 at 8:55 am #15559558
unicR

Hello Andrey,

thank you for your answer. I saw that the text automatically fills in for some of my strings. But it is still weird, I have a one-page website and hundreds of strings. Can't understand why.

I have one more problem, after editing the strings some of my content goes back to the original language.
For example, I added Portuguese language yesterday and my English version has now the buttons in Romanian (see screenshot). Also, on the French version the links for my buttons switched to the original language (Romanian).

Is there a way to "lock" the translation for certain languages? Why is this happening?

Looking forward to your answer!

Screen Shot 2024-04-24 at 11.52.41 AM.png
April 25, 2024 at 9:26 am #15564366

unicR

Also, I have the same strings for HTML and for text, same text, see attachment.
How can I translate only once?

I hope to get your answers asap.

Thank you in advance!

Screen Shot 2024-04-25 at 12.23.11 PM.png
April 25, 2024 at 1:14 pm #15565848

Andrey
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Russian (Русский )

Timezone: Europe/Kyiv (GMT+02:00)

Thank you for your feedback.

I have opened a new ticket for your new question. This will also help other users with similar problems find solutions when searching the forum. I will reply here: https://wpml.org/forums/topic/split-after-editing-the-strings-some-of-my-content-goes-back-to-the-original-language/.

Regarding HTML and text, as you can see, the string PORTFOLIU is embedded within HTML tags. WPML will only prefill the text if it fully matches, and it won't extract a single string for translation even if it was translated separately.