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Language
Last Updated:
Guideline
The default human language of each Web page can be programmatically determined.
Intent
The intent of this requirement is to ensure that content developers provide information in the Web page that user agents need to present text and other linguistic content correctly. Both assistive technologies and conventional user agents can render text more accurately when the language of the Web page is identified. Screen readers can load the correct pronunciation rules. Visual browsers can display characters and scripts correctly. Media players can show captions correctly. As a result, users with disabilities will be better able to understand the content.
Finding Applicable Components
Identify the default language of the page, and any content that differs from the default language.
Inspecting and Using Components
Check that there is an accurate default language attribute set for the page by inspecting the HTML element with the browser developer tools.
Check that there is an accurate language attribute set for each passage that is different from the page's default language.
Check that the language attributes match the actual language used. Exceptions: proper names, technical terms, or foreign words that have become part of the vernacular.
Section 508/WCAG 2.0 Failure Conditions
- The language for the page is not programmatically set.
- Fails 1194.31(a): Use without vision.
- Fails 1194.31(b): Use with low vision.
- Fails 3.1.1 Language of Page
- A passage (content, image descriptions, form labels etc.) that differs from the default language of the page is not programmatically identified.
- Fails 1194.31(a): Use without vision.
- Fails 1194.31(b): Use with low vision.
- Fails 3.1.2 Language of Parts
Reporting Test Results
Any failure in Section 508 Failure Conditions results in: Fails Baseline Requirement #17.
The language for the page is programmatically set, AND any passages that differ to the default language of the page are programmatically identified then: Passes Baseline Requirement #17.
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