WCAG 3.1.1: Language of Page

The default human language of each web page must be programmatically determinable.

Understandable Level A Serious Impact

Check if your website passes WCAG 3.1.1

Common Failures

Missing lang attribute on html element, incorrect language code, pages serving mixed-language content without lang attributes.

How to Fix

Add the correct lang attribute to the html element (e.g., lang="en"). Use lang attributes on elements containing text in a different language.

How EAAPass Tests WCAG 3.1.1

EAAPass automatically tests WCAG 3.1.1 (Language of Page) using three engines simultaneously:

  • axe-core — Checks DOM elements against the 3.1.1 rule set
  • Google Lighthouse — Validates accessibility in the context of overall page quality
  • Pa11y — HTML_CodeSniffer integration for WCAG-specific testing
  • AI Validation — Claude AI reviews ambiguous results to eliminate false positives

Results are mapped to the Understandable POUR principle and scored based on severity and frequency.

Industries Most Affected by WCAG 3.1.1

Healthcare & Pharma

Other WCAG 2.1 AA Criteria

WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content Perceivable WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships Perceivable WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) Perceivable WCAG 2.1.1 Keyboard Operable WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) Operable WCAG 3.3.1 Error Identification Understandable WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value Robust

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