This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: You want to switch the main language of your website from English to Dutch and manually edit the Dutch translations without conflicts with the English version. Solution: To set Dutch as the main language and manually edit translations, follow these steps: 1. Edit a page in Dutch. 2. Disconnect the Dutch language page from the English language. 3. Save it and then reconnect it back to the English page. 4. Select Dutch as the default language. After completing these steps, you will be able to translate a Dutch page into English using the Advanced Translation Editor.
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Background of the issue:
I started my website in English with Dutch as the translation. I want to switch the main language to Dutch and make manual changes to the translations.
Symptoms:
When I try to manually change the Dutch translation, it doesn't agree with the English translation and I can't save it.
Questions:
How can I set Dutch as the main language for translations?
How can I manually edit Dutch translations without conflicts with the English version?
I have now forced translated both languages individually but I am still curious if it's possible to make the change that Dutch is the main language so that when I add a blog I will add Dutch text and it will translate to English instead of the other way around. Also the buttons to the other language in the menu are gone even though they should still be there. Can you help? hidden link
Thanks for contacting us. From your screenshot, it seems you haven’t applied all the required tags to save the translation. Please highlight the text where you applied the span and then click the “span” tag (Alt+1).
I can see the missing language switcher here hidden link .
I will need to closely examine your website. Therefore, I will require temporary access (WP-Admin and FTP) to a test site where the problem has been replicated, if possible. This will enable me to provide better assistance and determine if any configurations need to be modified.
Please note that it is important to have a backup for security purposes and to prevent any potential data loss. You can use the UpdraftPlus plugin (https://wordpress.org/plugins/updraftplus/) to fulfill your backup requirements.
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✙ To resolve the issue, I may need your consent to deactivate and reactivate plugins and the theme, as well as make configuration changes on the site if necessary. This emphasizes the significance of having a backup.
Thanks for your reply. I've checked your Website and I think I know what you're trying to achieve.
Please refer to this screen recording hidden link that shows you what I did to change the default language of a page. You cannot do this in bulk, and it needs to be manually changed.
This is what I've done.
1. Edit a page in Dutch
2. Disconnect the Dutch language page from English language.
3. Save it and connect it back to the English page.
4. Select Dutch as default language.
Once you've done that, you'll be able to translate a Dutch page into English using the Advanced Translation Editor.
Thank you so much! That looks complicated but I can do it. Will I also be able to add the language switcher to the English version when this is done? It's not there now and I don't see why because it looks like it's on: hidden link
I think I was able to do every page and post and are very happy!. If you could just help me with the button that would be fantastic. Thank you so much.
When I add new pages and post will the immediately work from Dutch to English or do I have to do this (like the video) with every new post?
Thanks again!
Thanks for your reply. I've connected the Dutch menu to the English language in WP > Appearance > Menu here hidden link, and the language switcher shows up now on the English language homepage. Yes, when you add a new page, it will be the correct primary language page/post.
