The Importance of “Partial Language” Accessibility

*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.

In web accessibility, the concept of “partial language” refers to scenarios where multiple languages are present within a website or application. For instance, an English-based page might contain some Japanese terms or phrases, or vice versa. This mixed language format can be highly effective for conveying information to diverse audiences, yet it can also introduce visual and technical barriers for some users. Therefore, ensuring proper handling of these language fragments is essential for a fully accessible experience.

What is “Partial Language” in Web Accessibility?

In accessibility, “partial language” denotes the presence of different language elements within a single web page. Common examples include:

• English words or phrases embedded within a Japanese page
• Japanese terms appearing in English content
• Untranslated technical or industry-specific terms
• Original language retained for quotes or proper nouns

These instances can create challenges for assistive technologies, such as screen readers, which may struggle to detect and correctly pronounce words in different languages without proper markup. Additionally, mixed languages can disrupt readability for visual readers.

The Need for Correct Markup of Partial Language

Handling partial language correctly requires using the HTML lang attribute to mark sections where the language changes. This attribute serves two primary purposes:

1. Accurate Language Detection by Assistive Technologies
   By setting the lang attribute appropriately, screen readers can detect language switches automatically and pronounce text accurately. For example, when an English phrase is included in Japanese text, applying lang="en" to the English text enables the screen reader to pronounce it with an English accent, rather than Japanese.

2. Enhanced Usability for Search Engines and Translation Tools
   The lang attribute also aids search engines and translation tools, allowing them to index and translate content more accurately by recognizing language shifts within the text.

Example Usage

Here’s an example of how to use the lang attribute to indicate partial language in a webpage:

<p>This page explains the basics of <span lang="en">web accessibility</span> for all users.</p>

In this example, the phrase “web accessibility” has been marked with lang="en", instructing screen readers to pronounce it in English, even within a non-English context.

Enhancing Readability for Visual Accessibility

When implementing partial language, consider visual accessibility as well. Sudden language changes can briefly disrupt the reader’s focus. The following techniques can help prevent confusion:

• Use font style or color for subtle language distinction Styling non-native language phrases with a slightly different font or color can make them more visually intuitive. However, keep the style subtle to maintain a cohesive design.

• Use parentheses or other delimiters Encasing foreign language phrases in parentheses or em dashes can also help users recognize and adjust to a language change more naturally.

The Impact of Partial Language on Accessibility

When partial language isn’t marked correctly, several accessibility issues may arise:

• Incorrect Pronunciation by Screen Readers Without explicit language markers, screen readers default to the main language setting, which may lead to mispronunciations, making content difficult for users to comprehend.

• Reader Discomfort and Visual Accessibility Challenges The lack of clear language distinction can visually disrupt the reading flow, particularly for those who rely on visual cues.

• Translation and Search Engine Errors Translation tools may misinterpret language segments, resulting in inaccurate translations and misunderstandings, while search engines may index content improperly, reducing the accuracy of search results.

Conclusion: Ensuring Accessibility Through Partial Language Considerations

Ensuring accessibility for partial language involves several key steps to support diverse user needs effectively:

• Use lang attributes to mark language changes precisely.
• Apply subtle visual design strategies to help readers identify language shifts naturally.
• Consider screen reader and translation tool behavior when setting language attributes. Addressing partial language properly creates an inclusive and accessible web experience that’s more understandable for both visually impaired users and non-native language speakers. By implementing these strategies, you can make your website or application more usable for a broader audience.

We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.

If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.