Language of the document must be specified
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Compliance Data & Impact
Disabilities Affected
- Blind
- Deafblind
- Mobility
Standard(s)
- WCAG 2.1 (A)
- WCAG 2.0 (A)
WCAG Success Criteria [WCAG 2.1 (A)]
- 3.1.1: MUST: Language of Page
WCAG Success Criteria [WCAG 2.0 (A)]
- 3.1.1: MUST: Language of Page
How to Fix the Problem
Identify the language of the PDF document.
In Acrobat Adobe Pro:
- Select File > Properties
- In the Properties dialog, select the Advanced tab
- In the Reading Options field, select the default language from the Language combo box
Note: Adobe Acrobat Pro is the most common tool for PDF remediations, but other tools and software are also available and can be used to remediate the PDF.
Why it Matters
When configuring a screen reader, users select a default language. If the language of a PDF is not specified, the screen reader assumes the default language set by the user. Language settings become an issue for users who speak multiple languages and access documents in more than one language. It is essential to specify a language and ensure that it is valid so the document text is pronounced correctly.
Rule Description
Both assistive technologies and conventional user agents can render text more accurately when the language of the document is identified. Screen readers can load the correct pronunciation rules. Visual browsers can display characters and scripts correctly. Media players can show captions correctly. As a result, users with disabilities are better able to understand the content.
The Algorithm (in simple terms)
Language of the document must be specified
Resources
Deque University Course Pages (subscription required)
No related course information available.
Refer to the complete list of axe 2.0 rules.
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