3.1.2 - Language of parts

The intent of this success criterion is to ensure that user agents can correctly present content written in multiple languages. This makes it possible for user agents and assistive technologies to present content according to the presentation and pronunciation rules for that language. This applies to graphical browsers as well as screen readers, braille displays, and other voice browsers.

Both assistive technologies and conventional user agents rely on language identification in order to render text more accurately. Screen readers can load the correct pronunciation rules. Visual browsers can display characters and scripts correctly.

Use language attributes in-line to identify changes in the human language.
For example, when a web page contains a section of content or a phrase from another language, specify that language change in a <span> tag i.e. <span lang=”fr”>au revoir</span>.

Exceptions to this are:

• proper names
• technical terms
• words of indeterminate language
• words or phrases that have become part of the language