Language of Parts makes sure that sections in different languages are marked so screen readers and translation tools can switch smoothly. This works in conjunction with WCAG 3.1.1 Language of Page.
Who this impacts
- Screen reader users: Language markers help screen readers switch accents and pronunciations when reading multilingual content.
- Multilingual users: Proper language tags make it easier for people who speak multiple languages to follow mixed-language content without confusion.
- People with smart home devices: These act a bit like screen readers, and need to know what language the page is in to read you that recipe properly.
- Everyone: Accurately marked language changes improve comprehension on websites with multilingual or specialized content.
How to meet Language of Parts
- Mark different languages with the lang attribute: Use the lang attribute to indicate any text sections that differ from the primary language (e.g., <span lang=”es”> for a Spanish phrase).
- Check pronunciation with screen readers: Verify that screen readers recognize and pronounce multilingual sections accurately.
- Apply language tags thoughtfully: Only use language tags for text in another language; don’t tag specialized terms or product names that don’t need translation.
Practical example
An online recipe blog includes French terms in recipes, adding <span lang=”fr”> mise en place </span> so that screen readers pronounce it correctly.
Top tips
- Use
langattributes selectively: Only mark sections where the language shift is essential for understanding. - Test for pronunciation accuracy: Check that screen readers adjust to the correct pronunciation for marked sections.
- Stay consistent: Apply language attributes consistently for a smooth user experience, especially on multilingual sites.