I understand your question that not using element.
I am on learning curve. that is first.
I am building site that 2 languages. Japanese and English. Both language I have original text, not auto translation.
which means I do not require polylang or any other multi lingual plug in. only give different slug /ja or /en.
in which case, hook unable to find out which page is japanese or english. (mind you, Not using polylang, so each page or post no identify language!)
does it make sense to you?