How to override default Wordpress core language file

Question

I am experiencing a small problem and I have tried several solutions, but none of them has worked unfortunately. Perhaps somebody has a clue why :-)

I am using the Syntax theme from Automattic which has its own language file, but it also uses the default Wordpress core language file to display some words in the frontend of my theme.

I have set the language to Dutch (nl_NL) and one word is not translated properly, namely the word 'Aside' which is translated in 'Aside' as well. However, this is not a Dutch word and I'd like to change it into 'Notities'.

I have tried these three solutions, but they all did not work :-( Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the original word 'Aside' is translated in 'Aside' as well in the Wordpress core language file? I am just guessing :-)

1. Option 1 that did not work
2. Option 2 idem.
3. Option 3 by using the plugin 'Quick Localization'

This is the script that resides in wp-includes/post-formats.php that relates to the display of the word 'Aside' in the frontend of my website:

    function get_post_format_strings() {
        $strings = array(
            'aside'    => _x( 'Aside',    'Post format' ),
        );
        return $strings;
    }

I hope someone has a bright idea. I would appreciate it very much.

Thank you and regards, Bark

Answer 1

Correcting the answer given by Max. To use this approach, the filter you need is gettext_with_context because your string is translated via _x() not __().

Note that the filtered argument passed is the translation, so you should check the source string ($text and $context) to ensure you're filtering the correct item.

add_filter( 'gettext_with_context', 'added_translation', 20, 4 );

function added_translation( $translation, $text, $context, $domain )
{
  if( 'Aside' === $text && 'Post format' === $context ){
    $translation = 'Aan de kant';
  }
  return $translation;
}

Up to you exactly how you detect the string and whether you also check to see if Dutch is the current locale. However this filter does work and should work regardless if the theme you're using.

If you're making a lot of string improvements I recommend using a translation file loaded in addition to the installed translations. Example guide here using Loco Translate to add your own custom file. (Disclosure: my plugin)

Answer 2

This will help:

<?php
add_filter( 'gettext', 'added_translation', 20, 3 );

function added_translation( $text )
{
    // Search for the string and replace it with translation
    $text = str_replace( 'Aside', 'Aan de kant', $text );

    return $text;
}

More about gettext filter.