Language of Page - Success Criterion 3.1.1 (Level A)

Question

Is the language of each page properly identified in the code for your site or application?

Why is this important?

Identifying the main language ensures content is presented and read correctly. This is essential so that characters, pronunciations, and other visual and audio elements are displayed correctly, allowing the user to better understand the material.

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a blind user,
I want my screen reader to load the appropriate pronunciation for the language of the content
so that I can comprehend the material presented.

Example 2

As a person who relies on captions for videos,
I want the text to be consistent with the language of the video
so that I can understand the content.

What should you do?

Ensure that each page of a site or application has an assigned language (e.g. English, Arabic, Chinese).

How do you do it?

Apply the appropriate language code for the main language used in the site or application.

Need technical guidance?

Technical guidance is available for implementing this Success Criterion at the Understanding Success Criterion 3.1.1 - Language of Page page.

Additional Resources to help you

• Language of Page - WUHCAG