3.1.2 Language of Parts [AA]

Level AA

The human language of each passage or phrase in the content can be programmatically determined except for proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding text.>

Explanation

When content is displayed in a language that is different from the primary language of the page, it must be indicated in a way that assistive technologies understand. This ensures that screen readers switch to the appropriate accent and pronunciation for that language.

Roles

• Content
• Development
• QA

Requirements

• Content that is written in a different language from the primary language of the page, is identified using the HTML lang attribute on the element containing the content written in a different language.

Common mistakes

• Content is written in a different language from the main content, and the HTML lang attribute has not been used on the containing element;
• The HTML lang attribute has been used, but the language code does not match the language of the written content.

Official resources

• 3.1.2 Language of Parts
• Understanding 3.1.2 Language of Parts
• How to meet 3.1.2 Language of Parts

Other resources

• TPG: Using the lang attribute
• W3C: Language on the Web