Help make WP SMS accessible to users worldwide by translating it into your language. This guide will walk you through the simple process of contributing translations to the WP SMS plugin.
Table of Contents
Why Translate WP SMS?
By translating WP SMS, you help users in your country access SMS functionality in their native language, making the plugin more accessible and user-friendly for your community.
Quick Start: Translate WP SMS in 3 Simple Steps
Step 1: Create a WordPress.org Account
If you don’t already have one, visit WordPress.org and create a free account. You’ll use this account to log in to the translation platform.
Step 2: Access the WP SMS Translation Project
Visit the official WP SMS translation page:
This is where all translation work for the WP SMS plugin happens.
Step 3: Choose Your Language and Start Translating
- Log in with your WordPress.org account
- Select your language from the list
- Start suggesting translations for untranslated strings
Understanding the Translation Platform
WordPress uses a translation system called GlotPress, hosted at translate.wordpress.org. Here’s what you need to know:
User Permission Levels
When you start translating, you’ll have one of these roles:
- Contributor (You start here): You can suggest translations after logging in. Your suggestions need approval from editors before they go live.
- Translation Editor: Experienced translators who can approve or reject translation suggestions and manage the translation process.
- Guest: View-only access without logging in.
Translation Status Colours
The platform uses colour-coding to show the status of each text string:
- Untranslated: Strings that need translation
- Waiting: Strings with suggested translations awaiting approval
- Fuzzy: Translations that might need review or updating
- Translated: Approved and completed translations
Filtering and Finding Strings to Translate
You can filter strings by:
- Translation status (untranslated, translated, waiting for approval, needs review)
- Priority levels (focus on high-priority strings first)
- Warnings (strings that might have issues)
Best Practices for Quality Translations
1. Keep It Natural
Translate the meaning, not word-for-word. Make sure your translation sounds natural in your language.
2. Maintain Consistency
Use consistent terminology throughout. If you translate “message” as a specific word, use the same word every time.
3. Preserve Formatting
- Keep placeholders like `%s`, `%d`, or `{variable}` exactly as they appear
- Maintain HTML tags and special characters
- Don’t translate code or technical identifiers
4. Consider Context
Look at the context provided with each string to understand where it will appear in the plugin interface.
5. Review Before Submitting
Double-check your translation for spelling, grammar, and accuracy before submitting.
How Long Before My Translations Appear?
After you submit translation suggestions:
- A Translation Editor for your language will review your suggestions
- Once approved, translations typically appear in the plugin within 24-48 hours
- Users will receive the translations when they update the plugin
Becoming a Translation Editor
After contributing quality translations consistently, you can request to become a Translation Editor for your language. This allows you to approve translations and help manage the translation process for your locale.
Translating WP SMS Add-ons
In addition to the core WP SMS plugin, you can also help translate WP SMS add-ons through our dedicated translation platform.
1: Register an Account
First, create an account on our translation platform:
Register for Translation Account
Step 2: Choose an Add-on to Translate
Once registered, browse the available add-on projects:
View All Add-on Projects
Select the add-on you want to translate from the list.
Step 3: Start Translating
The add-on translation platform uses GlotPress (the same system used by WordPress.org), so the translation process is identical:
- Log in with your registered account
- Select your language
- Start suggesting translations for untranslated strings
All the best practices and guidelines mentioned above for translating the core plugin apply to add-on translations as well.
Need Help or More Information?
WP SMS Translation Page
Start translating now: https://translate.wordpress.org/projects/wp-plugins/wp-sms
Complete WordPress Translation Guide
For detailed information about the translation platform and advanced features, see the official WordPress Polyglots Handbook:
https://make.wordpress.org/polyglots/handbook/translating/glotpress-translate-wordpress-org
Contact Support
If you have questions specific to the WP SMS plugin translation, feel free to reach out through our support channels.
Start Contributing Today!
Your contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. Even translating a few strings helps make WP SMS more accessible to users in your language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a professional translator?
No! If you’re fluent in both English and your target language, you can contribute. The community and Translation Editors will help ensure quality.
How much time does it take?
You can contribute as little or as much time as you have. Even 10-15 minutes can result in meaningful contributions.
Will I be credited for my work?
Yes! Your WordPress.org username will be associated with your translations, and you’ll be recognised as a contributor to the WP SMS project.
Can I translate into multiple languages?
Absolutely! If you’re fluent in multiple languages, you can contribute to as many locales as you’d like.
What if I make a mistake?
Don’t worry! Translation Editors review all suggestions before approval. If there’s an issue, they can provide feedback or make corrections.