Success criterion 3.1.2
Language of Parts
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.
- Level AA
- Principle 3: Understandable
- Guideline 3.1: Readable
In a user’s words
“Don't switch languages on me mid-sentence! My brain isn't a real-time translator!”
What each role can do
- Product manager
- Indicate requirements for multi-language support if needed.
- Designer
- Design the UI to be consistent in language, or clearly indicate language switches.
- Developer
- Use the lang attribute to mark up sections of text that are in a different language.
- Tester
- Test that language changes within content are accurately marked and detectable.
Once it is fixed
“Thank you for keeping it consistent. Now I can actually understand what I'm reading!”
Share this with your team
The quotes are written to illustrate the criterion. They are not testimonials from real people. For the official wording, find 3.1.2 in the W3C quick reference for WCAG 2.2 (opens in a new tab).
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