What Is the HTML Language Violation?
Ensures every HTML document has a lang attribute.
| WCAG Criterion | 3.1.1 |
| Impact | serious |
| axe-core Rule ID | html-lang |
| WCAG Principle | Understandable |
How to Fix HTML Language
Add a lang attribute to the element (e.g., ). For multilingual pages, also add lang attributes to elements with content in other languages.
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🔍 Scan Your Site for HTML Language Violations →Who Is Affected?
The HTML Language violation impacts users who rely on assistive technologies including:
- Screen reader users (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack)
- Keyboard-only users who cannot use a mouse
- Users with cognitive disabilities who rely on clear structure
Approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States has some type of disability. Fixing this violation improves access for millions of users.
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