Switch language switcher to abbrevations on Mobile

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

Problem:
The client wants to switch the language switcher to abbreviations instead of full names on mobile devices.
Solution:
We explained that the language name text is set in WPML > Languages > Edit Languages, and it's not possible to have different texts for the same language switcher. However, we suggested creating two separate language switchers: one displaying languages in their native language and another showing them in the current language. Then, the client could try renaming the languages with abbreviations in WPML > Languages.

We also recommended using flags for mobile and names for larger screens, which would require different language switchers according to the screen size, subject to the theme's capabilities.

If this solution does not apply or is outdated, or if you're still experiencing issues, we encourage you to open a new support ticket.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. For further assistance, please visit our support forum at https://wpml.org/forums/forum/english-support/.

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Tagged: Custom Work

This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Alejandro 3 years, 2 months ago.

Assisted by: Alejandro.

Author	Posts
March 24, 2022 at 11:56 am #10867179
danielH-127	Tell us what you are trying to do? We'd like to switch the language switcher to abbreviations (intead of full name) on mobile Is there any documentation that you are following? No Is there a similar example that we can see? No What is the link to your site? hidden link
March 24, 2022 at 12:03 pm #10867243
Alejandro WPML Supporter since 02/2018 Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) Italian (Italiano ) Timezone: Europe/Rome (GMT+02:00)	Hello there! The language name text comes from the text in WPML > Languages > Edit Languages, which means that you can't really have abbreviations in one language switcher and a different text in another one. However, maybe you can achieve something similar by creating 2 language switchers and one can be setup to display the languages shown "in the native language" and another one instead showing them in the current language and then you'd try to rename the languages with the abbreviations in WPML > Languages. They are not perfect solutions, because what you want is technically not possible, but they might do the trick or something similar. I'd suggest instead you use flags in mobile and the names in bigger screens (And this will only work i you have different language switchers according to the screen, which is still a restriction according to what your theme allows you to do). Regards.