Feature request - Don't delete translation when main language was edited

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

Problem:
The client wants to know if it is possible to avoid deleting translations when updates are made in the main language. They find the current process of copying text to a txt file, updating the main language, and pasting the original strings back into the translated languages frustrating.

Solution:
We explained that with the Advanced Translation Editor, if any changes are made to the text in the original language, including altering a single word or punctuation mark, the sentence will need to be translated a new because the translation memory cannot recognize the modified sentences. To avoid re-translating for minor edits, you can use the WPML Classic Translation Editor. We provided documentation links for further assistance:

If this solution doesn't look relevant, please open a new support ticket.

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.

Tagged: ATE

This topic contains 1 reply, has 2 voices.

Last updated by Long Nguyen 1 year, 8 months ago.

Assisted by: Long Nguyen.

Author	Posts
November 27, 2023 at 2:22 pm #14931019
emanueleN-7	I ask if it is possible not to delete the translations when they are updated in the main language. (I've already tried "minor edits" but it doesn't work and it would be convenient to have it permanently) I suggest a possible operation: When you change a text in the main language, the plugin highlights that the translations need to be updated with the current symbol and when I enter the advanced editor, the translations to be revised are highlighted with a yellow band. If the change is too radical, at least give the possibility to choose what to do from the settings. Currently I have to copy the text in the translated languages to a txt, change the main one and paste the original strings again. it's frustrating. Thank you!
November 28, 2023 at 7:13 am #14936077
Long Nguyen WPML Supporter since 02/2022 Languages: English (English ) Timezone: Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh (GMT+07:00)	Hi Emanuele, Thank you for contacting WPML support, I'd be happy to help you with this issue. I'm afraid that it isn't possible. If you are using Advanced Translation Editor, the translation memory is doing a perfect match to apply saved translations. If you change a text in a sentence in the original language, you will need to translate it as new. This is because translation memory can’t recognize sentences if any changes are made to the text content. This includes: - Changing even a single word - Adding or changing a punctuation mark, such as a comma or period If you just make a small change and don't want to re-translate the sentence, I suggest you use the WPML Classic Translation Editor. Refer documentation https://wpml.org/faq/why-arent-my-translations-showing/#why-does-my-translation-disappear-from-the-advanced-translation-editor-when-i-update-my-default-content https://wpml.org/documentation/translating-your-contents/using-the-translation-editor/ Look forward to your reply. Thanks
December 1, 2023 at 8:48 am #14970203
emanueleN-7	The classic editor works great, please don't remove it!