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Accessibility

The ISO language code matches the language found on the page

The purpose of the audit is to ensure that the lang attribute contains an ISO-approved language code that matches the predominant language used in the content of the page.

This documentation document provides an overview of the audit conducted by Sitefig to validate the lang attribute of HTML page elements. The purpose of the audit is to ensure that the lang attribute contains an ISO-approved language code that matches the predominant language used in the content of the page. Sitefig, a company committed to maintaining high accessibility and usability standards for websites, conducts this audit.

Importance

The lang attribute in HTML plays a crucial role in providing language information for web pages. It is vital to have a valid ISO language code assigned to the lang attribute for the following reasons:

  • Accessibility: The lang attribute assists assistive technologies, such as screen readers, in correctly interpreting and pronouncing web page content. By specifying the appropriate language code, individuals with visual impairments or language-specific requirements can access the content more effectively.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines utilize the lang attribute to understand the language of web page content. Providing an accurate language code helps search engines index and rank the page for relevant language-specific search queries. This enhances the visibility and discoverability of the website in search engine results.
  • Language-specific Features: Certain web technologies and frameworks, such as spell-checking, hyphenation, and typography, rely on the lang attribute to provide language-specific features. By utilizing a valid language code, these features can be appropriately applied to the content, improving the overall user experience.
  • Consistency and User Expectations: The lang attribute ensures consistency in language representation throughout a website. When the language code matches the predominant language used on a page, it aligns with user expectations and creates a cohesive experience for visitors who understand that language.

Resolving the Issue

If the audit identifies inconsistencies between the lang attribute's ISO language code and the predominant language used on the page, follow these steps to address the issue:

  1. Identify the predominant language: Review the page content and determine the primary language being used. Consider textual content, headings, and any other language indicators present.
  2. Update the lang attribute: Modify the lang attribute of the HTML element to reflect the correct ISO language code. Ensure that the code matches the identified predominant language. For example, if the primary language is English, set the lang attribute to "en" for English.
  3. Apply changes across the page: Ensure that the updated lang attribute is consistent across all relevant HTML elements, such as the root <html> element or specific <div> sections, if applicable.
  4. Test for compatibility: Validate the modified HTML code using appropriate tools or validators to ensure the lang attribute adheres to ISO standards and is correctly recognized by browsers and assistive technologies.
  5. Document and communicate: Maintain a record of the changes made to the lang attribute and document the correct ISO language code used. Communicate the update to relevant stakeholders, including developers, content creators, and SEO specialists, to ensure consistent implementation across the website.

By following these steps, Sitefig ensures that the lang attribute in HTML page elements consistently employs valid ISO language codes, aligning with accessibility guidelines, SEO best practices, and user expectations.

Remember, the correct usage of ISO language codes contributes to a more inclusive and user-friendly web experience, benefiting both site visitors and the reputation of the website itself.