[Resolved] Quote marks displaying as double arrows
This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: If you're experiencing an issue where quote marks in English ("like this") are displaying as double arrows in Spanish («like this») on your website, the problem might be related to the translation files in WordPress rather than the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE). Solution: We recommend the following steps to resolve this issue: 1. Run the following query in your database manager:
UPDATE `wp_icl_mo_files_domains` SET `last_modified` = 1 WHERE `last_modified` IS NOT NULL
2. Navigate to WPML > Theme and plugin localization. 3. Run the process that indicates changes were detected in .mo files, ensuring to scan the "WordPress" context. For more details, check this documentation. 4. Go to WPML > String Translation. 5. Search for "«", open the string, remove the translation, and use the button to copy the original. 6. Search for "»", open the string, remove the translation, and use the button to copy the original. 7. Visit the front-end of your site to confirm the changes.
If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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. If issues persist, please open a new support ticket.
This is the technical support forum for WPML - the multilingual WordPress plugin.
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Quote marks in English ("like this") are displaying as double arrows in Spanish («like this»). See screenshots. In the translation editor, everything looks good.
Thanks for contacting WPML forums support. I'll be glad to help you today.
Could you please let me know if this issue happens on all pages or this specific page? In order to test this, please create a new test page named "WPML TEST" and translate it.
If you face the issue on this new test page, I would need to request temporary access (WP-Admin and FTP)
– preferably to a test site where the problem has been replicated if possible –
in order to be of better help and check if some configurations might need to be changed
Your next answer will be private, which means only you and I can access it.
❌ Please backup your database and website ❌
✙ I would need your permission to de-activate and re-activate Plugins and the Theme and change configurations on the site. This is also a reason the backup is critical.
✙ I also need your permission to take a local copy of your site to debug the issue without affecting your live site.
Hello, and thank you for your help. The issue happens on all pages that I have seen.
I have created the test page as instructed.
English: hidden link
Spanish: hidden link
I will need to check with our developer about creating a test site to give you access to. If you have any information to help in the meantime, please advise.
Thanks for your update. I'll need to check the test site to know what causes the issue and consult our advanced translation editor team regarding the matter.
I'll set your next reply as private to share the access details safely.
Thanks for the access details. Could you please check the following steps?
1- Go to pages-> All pages on your live site
2- Switch the language from the top admin bar
3- Add a new page and use the WordPress editor
4- Please add the following text. This is a "WPML Test" page
5- Save the page and check the front end
If you face the same issue, please deactivate WPML and check the page.
I have completed your recommendation to deactivate WPML and check the page again. With the plugin deactivated, the quote marks did display correctly in Spanish. What do you recommend next?
Thanks for running this test. We would need to check the live site if possible. If it's not possible, please try to replicate the issue on the staging site.
One question: If we are able to give you access to the live site, can we choose a window of time and day that you will need access? Monday morning (Pacific Standard Time), for example, would be ideal. That way we can make a backup and stop making any edits to the site during a specific window of time.
Hello again, our client has granted permission to create a WordPress Admin account and FTP access. We would just need to set a time for you to log in. Can you tell me what time zone you are in? Our client would prefer later in the day on Monday (rather than morning).
I'm in GMT+2 time zone, and I can work on your site from Sun to Thu, so please let me know your preferred time. If it's not suitable for me, I'll check with my teammates in your time zone if they can check the issue.
Thanks for the access details. I was able to login successfully. I've closed the site now, and I'll check the issue tomorrow at the agreed time window.
