Generally it is best to put the code up top. Something higher up might be causing PHP to stop before reaching the snippet. It is also possible that you can not override a nonexistent entry in a language file. I talked to Leah, our expert on translations, and she indicated there is not a lot we can do until someone helps us translate the new version.
That leaves us with a couple of options:
1) You can modify the plugin. The area that text is pulled from is line 131 of this file: \the-events-calendar\lib\widget-list.class.php Change the text there and nothing can override it.
2) Wait for the translation. In which case I would direct you to Leah who will be available on Monday.
Sorry about that. Will one of those options work for ya?
– Brook