[Resolved] Translations are creating unwanted tags throughout website.
This thread is resolved. Here is a description of the problem and solution.
Problem: The client is experiencing an issue where translations are inserting unwanted tags in the HTML across the website, which are not present in the original English text. This issue is visible on the homepage and menu, and there are [returns] in the backend text editor that should not be there.
Solution: We have consulted with the developers of the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE), and they provided the following insights and suggestions: 1. When segments are manually joined, they are combined with a \n (e.g., joining phrase1 and phrase2 results in phrase1\nphrase2). 2. For the pages in question, it appears the segments may have been manually joined. To address this, they suggest: - Unjoining the segments, which should resolve the issue. - Alternatively, updating the translations using the previously recommended solution.
Currently, there is no batch solution to address this issue comprehensively. The only option available is to fix it manually. Our developers are considering creating a script to automate the process, but it will require time as it may introduce additional complications.
If this solution does not apply to your case, or if it seems outdated, we highly recommend checking related known issues at https://wpml.org/known-issues/, verifying the version of the permanent fix, and confirming that you have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 the issue persists, please open a new support ticket at WPML support forum for further assistance.
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Background of the issue:
I am trying to address an issue where translations are creating unwanted tags throughout the website. On the homepage and menu, there is a noticeable difference between Dutch and English (original) versions, with tags appearing in the HTML. This issue is widespread across the site, and manual correction is not feasible due to the volume of content and languages. The original English text is clean, but the translation in the backend text editor shows [returns] that should not be there. Examples of the issue can be seen at: hidden link and hidden link. I expected to see: Naar schatting worden ongeveer 54.000 werknemers in de EU mogelijk blootgesteld aan acrylamide. De beroepsmatige blootstelling aan acrylamide is voornamelijk het gevolg van huidcontact met het vaste monomeer en inademing van stof en damp tijdens de productie van acrylamide en polyacrylamide. Instead, I got: Naar schatting worden ongeveer 54.000 werknemers in de EU mogelijk blootgesteld aan acrylamide. De beroepsmatige blootstelling aan acrylamide is voornamelijk het gevolg van huidcontact met het vaste monomeer en inademing van stof en damp tijdens de productie van acrylamide en polyacrylamide.
Symptoms:
Translations are inserting unwanted tags in the HTML across the website, which are not present in the original English text. The issue is visible on the homepage and menu, and there are [returns] in the backend text editor that should not be there.
Questions:
How can I prevent unwanted tags from appearing in translations?
Is there a way to automatically clean up the translations without manual intervention?
I regret any inconvenience caused, but to proceed with troubleshooting, I kindly ask for a snapshot of the site. Alternatively, with your permission, I can create one myself. For this purpose, I typically recommend using the free plugin "Duplicator." If you're already familiar with Duplicator (https://wordpress.org/plugins/duplicator/), please skip the following steps and simply send me the archive file you downloaded.
To guide you further, please adhere to these instructions:
1. View the Duplicator instructions video: hidden link
3. If the archive file exceeds 400MB, please use Duplicator's file filters to exclude cache, wp-uploads directory, media, and archive files.
Once you have the archive file ready, kindly share the link with us. You can utilize platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar for file sharing, as the snapshot file might be large.
Please note that your next reply will be private, visible only to you and me. You can paste the file link there. Rest assured that once the issue is resolved, I will delete the local site.
I am sorry for the late reply. I did not receive an email. The duplicator delivers a fatal error when I want to activate the plugin. Do we have an alternative?
Thanks for your reply. You can try using this one https://wordpress.org/plugins/updraftplus/ . Then, download the backups and upload it to google drive and share the link with me.
Same result. Pretty sure Elementor hosting is blocking this. Because it is my staging I can't backup either (only production). I need to contact Elementor for this.
I'm having difficulties trying to import your Website into my dev site. However, I'm able to install the Duplicator Pro copy on your Website here: hidden link . Can I have your permission to create a package? It would be easier for me to import it into my dev site.
Thanks for your patience. I've successfully imported your Website into my local dev site and I'm checking on this and will revert back as quickly as possible.
I've checked and I cannot find a solution for this. Please allow me to escalate this to our 2nd Tier Support for further investigation. I will come back to you once I've feedback.
Thanks for your patience. We’ve been reviewing the issue regarding the translations on your site. After consulting with the developers of the Advanced Translation Editor (ATE), they mentioned the following:
1. When segments are manually joined, they are combined with a \n (e.g., joining phrase1 and phrase2 results in phrase1\nphrase2).
2. For the pages in question, it appears the segments may have been manually joined.
To address this, they suggest:
- Unjoining the segments, which should resolve the issue.
- Alternatively, updating the translations using the previously recommended solution.
Could you confirm if you had manually joined these segments before translating? This information will help us determine the best course of action to resolve the issue efficiently.
The texts (and segments) were not edited. The original texts were just as shown in the original English version (e.g. no segments). Unjointing the segments, would implicate a enormous amount of manual labor as discussed before. Basically you can look at any of the pages to see the same result.
Another question. Where did you test this situation? I see your user has logged in on our staging. Most of the plugins are now disabled resulting in a break of layout. Are testing in our staging or your own?
