Skip Navigation

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

Problem:
You are trying to translate labels, slugs, and attribute taxonomy options using WPML, but the translation interface does not consistently show the WPML default language (German) as the source. Instead, the globe symbol appears under the English flag, making it untranslatable. You have to manually change the language to German, and the label text is shown in English, not the source language.
Solution:
The default language in WordPress is typically English, depending on the language in which WordPress was installed. To resolve this issue, you need to adjust the source language for the taxonomy labels and strings. This adjustment will enable you to create your translations effectively. It is crucial to ensure that especially the slug is translated, regardless of the source language displayed.

If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we recommend opening a new support ticket. We also 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/.

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

Everyone can read, but only WPML clients can post here. WPML team is replying on the forum 6 days per week, 22 hours per day.

This topic contains 1 reply, has 0 voices.

Last updated by Andreas W. 1 week ago.

Assisted by: Andreas W..

Author Posts
January 22, 2025 at 8:26 pm #16625060

frederikB-5

Background of the issue:
I am trying to translate the labels, slug, and attribute taxonomy options using WPML. My user profile language is English, and the default WPML language is German, which is the source language. See screenshot link for illustration: hidden link

Symptoms:
The translation interface does not consistently show the WPML default language as the source. The globe symbol appears under the English flag instead of the German column, making it untranslatable. I have to manually change the language to German. Additionally, the label text is shown in English, not the source language.

Questions:
Why does the translation interface not show the WPML default language as the source?
Is this a bug or a feature I don't understand?
How can I ensure the globe symbol appears under the correct language column?
Is there a way to avoid manually changing the language to German?
Why is the label text shown in English instead of the source language?

January 25, 2025 at 5:09 pm #16633833

Andreas W.
Supporter

Languages: English (English ) Spanish (Español ) German (Deutsch )

Timezone: America/Lima (GMT-05:00)

Hello,

The default language in WordPress will always be English in most use cases. This usually might depend on in which language you installed WordPress.

You will need to adjust the source language for the taxonomy labels and strings and this should allow you to create your translations.

Further, take note that the source language in this case is not really that important. Important is that you create the translations and that especially the slug is translated.

Best regards
Andreas