String translations problems

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

Problem:
The client was unable to see the '+' button to translate strings and also had issues with menu translation not showing in English.

Solution:
1. We clarified that the pencil icon indicates a string is already translated, and the '+' sign appears when there is no translation.
2. After reviewing the video provided by the client, we identified that some strings were incorrectly showing with an English flag, although they were in Italian. We instructed the client to select the strings, click on 'Change the language of the selected strings' at the bottom of the table, and choose Italian.
3. We discovered that the issue was related to the theme's compatibility with WPML. The strings were hardcoded in the theme files, making them untranslatable via WPML. We provided a guide on how to make theme strings translatable at https://wpml.org/documentation/support/enabling-text-translation-for-themes-not-compatible-with-wpml/. We also provided an example of how to change a string in the theme files:

<?php _e( 'Rivestimento', 'girolami-theme-domain' ); ?>

4. After making the necessary changes, we instructed the client to scan the theme for strings in WPML -> Theme and plugins localization and then translate them in WPML -> String translation.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking the related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you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

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Tagged: Custom Work, Documentation request

This topic contains 6 replies, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Marsel Nikolli 1 year, 1 month ago.

Assisted by: Marsel Nikolli.

Author	Posts
April 23, 2024 at 8:41 am #15554391
tommasoG-5	We have seen that strings are not translated. The point is that following to your guides we should see a + button to translate but we cannot see.
April 23, 2024 at 9:49 am #15554847
Marsel Nikolli	Hi, Thank you for contacting WPML Support, I will gladly help you. 1) From the image you shared I noticed that the strings are translated (the pencil icon shows when a string/page/post is already translated if there is no translation it shows the "+" sign). 2) To expedite handling your support requests, can you please share WPML support debug information from your site? * To provide the debug information: - Login to your site and go to WPML -> Support, in there click on the “debug information” link at the bottom of the page. - Once on the “debug information” page, select the entire text box content and copy it. - Go back to our support forum, find the debug information box, and paste it. More information on the link: https://wpml.org/faq/provide-debug-information-faster-support/ Thanks, Marsel
April 23, 2024 at 10:03 am #15554901
tommasoG-5	Here the debug information
April 23, 2024 at 10:38 am #15555187
Marsel Nikolli	Thank you for the debug info. Can you please elaborate on the issue, you can share a screenshot or videos (you can use loom.com and share the link with me). * I already explained the "+" button question, and I would need some more information to provide support regarding the string translation issue. Thanks, Marsel
April 23, 2024 at 11:15 am #15555468
tommasoG-5	Ok, hope this helps to explain hidden link By the way, I have the same problem with menu that is not translated
April 23, 2024 at 11:39 am #15555533
Marsel Nikolli	Thank you for the video, it was very helpful. On the image you first shared I noticed that there are 2 strings in Italian but they do show with an English flag, which means that the strings are coming from the theme. To change that, you need to check the checkboxes next to the strings (the red mark on the image attached), and then at the bottom of the table click on "Change the language of the selected strings" and select Italian. After, the strings should show with the Italian flag next to them and you should be able to translate them into Italian correctly. * The same process is for other strings that have the same issue. --- * If it seems too complicated, I would need temporary access to your site's WP-admin and I'll make a video showing you how to do it. Please fully back up your site (files and database) and confirm it in your next reply. Your next reply is set to private for you to provide the username and password details. Thanks, Marsel
April 23, 2024 at 2:06 pm #15556475
Marsel Nikolli	Hi, Thank you for the access, I've checked further and it seems that the issue is related to the theme you are using. The strings showing on the website "Vai a", "Rivestimento", etc. are hard coded in the theme not as they should be for you to be able to translate them via WPML. Please check the documentation in this link how you can change those strings to be translatable: https://wpml.org/documentation/support/enabling-text-translation-for-themes-not-compatible-with-wpml/ * I've changed the string "Rivestimento" as an example in your theme, in the file ".../template/components/product-variations.php", check in line 44 how it is set: <?php _e( 'Rivestimento', 'girolami-theme-domain' ); ?> instead of just "Rivestimento". I used "girolami-theme-domain" but you can set it to whatever you want, I would suggest you keep the same for all the strings you'll be changing. After you've changed all the strings on the theme, please go to WPML -> Theme and plugins localization -> Strings in the themes, check the checkbox next to ACF Boilerplate, click the button "Scan selected themes for strings" and wait for the process to finish. After, you can go to WPML -> String translation and translate the strings. I hope you find this information helpful, let me know if you have any further questions. Regards, Marsel