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 that have become part of the surrounding vernacular.
Last reviewed: September 9, 2026
Understanding 3.1.2
When a passage switches to a different language than the page's declared default, a screen reader that isn't told about the switch will keep applying the wrong pronunciation rules and voice, often rendering foreign-language text as gibberish. Marking the language of that specific passage lets assistive technology switch pronunciation engines and voices correctly, which matters most for users who rely on synthesized speech to understand mixed-language content.
How to Meet It
Code Examples
<!-- French phrase in an English page with no language change marked -->
<p>The reviewer summed it up simply: c'est la vie.</p><!-- The French phrase is explicitly marked so a screen reader switches pronunciation -->
<p>The reviewer summed it up simply: <span lang="fr">c'est la vie</span>.</p>Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to mark every single loanword, like "déjà vu" or "café"?
No. Words that have become part of the vernacular of the surrounding language are explicitly exempted. The criterion targets genuine passages or phrases in another language, not individual assimilated loanwords.
What about a company name or person's name in a foreign language?
Proper names are exempt and don't need a lang change, even if they wouldn't be pronounced correctly by the base-language voice.
Related Success Criteria
Quick Facts
- Criterion3.1.2
- LevelAA
- IntroducedWCAG 2.0
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