WCAG 3.1.1: Language of Page
Success Criterion 3.1.1 — Level A
Quick Answer
The default language of each page must be identified in the code.
Why It Matters
Without lang attribute, screen readers guess the language and may mispronounce content.
How to Audit
Run an automated accessibility scan to detect common Language of Page failures. Then manually verify with: keyboard-only navigation, a screen reader (VoiceOver on Mac, NVDA on Windows), and browser developer tools. Automated tools catch approximately 40% of Language of Page issues — manual testing is essential.
How to Fix
Add lang='en' (or appropriate language code) to the <html> element on every page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WCAG 3.1.1 Language of Page?
The default language of each page must be identified in the code.
Is WCAG 3.1.1 required for ADA compliance?
WCAG 2.1 Level A is the minimum baseline for ADA website compliance. Courts have upheld WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for ADA Title III lawsuits.
How do I fix WCAG 3.1.1 violations?
Add lang='en' (or appropriate language code) to the <html> element on every page.
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