What Is the Lang Attribute?
The Lang attribute specifies the language of your website’s content using standardized language codes (e.g., en for English, fr for French). This attribute is added to the HTML <html> tag and looks like this:
<html lang="en">
It tells browsers, assistive technologies, and search engines the primary language of the page, which influences how they interpret and interact with your content.
Why the Lang Attribute Matters
Improves Accessibility for Assistive Technologies
Assistive technologies like screen readers rely on the Lang attribute to correctly pronounce text. Without it, users with disabilities may encounter mispronunciations or difficulties understanding the content.
For example, a screen reader may struggle to pronounce "résumé" correctly without knowing the page is in English or French. Setting the Lang attribute resolves this, ensuring a seamless experience for users.
Enhances SEO for Language-Specific Queries
Search engines use the Lang attribute to better understand your content and match it with language-specific queries. For instance, if your page targets French-speaking users, setting the Lang attribute to fr can help improve visibility in French-language search results.
Boosts User Experience for Multilingual Sites
If your site has multilingual content, correctly using the Lang attribute helps browsers switch between languages automatically. This creates a smoother experience for global audiences.
How to Set Up the Lang Attribute in Webflow
Step 1: Go to Site Settings
- Log in to your Webflow account and open the project you want to configure.
- Navigate to the Site Settings tab in your dashboard.
Step 2: Set the Lang Attribute
- Under General Settings, find the Language Code (Lang Attribute) field.
- Enter the appropriate language code for your site’s primary language (e.g.,
en for English, es for Spanish).
Step 3: Save and Publish
- Click Save Changes and publish your site. The Lang attribute will now be included in the
<html> tag of your website.
Best Practices for Using the Lang Attribute
- Choose the Correct Language Code:
Use the ISO 639-1 standard codes for accurate language identification. For example:en for Englishfr for Frenches for Spanish
- Set Language Per Page (Optional):
If your site contains multilingual pages, configure the Lang attribute individually for each page using custom code in Webflow’s page settings. - Validate Your Site:
Use tools like W3C Markup Validation to confirm the Lang attribute is correctly implemented.
Benefits of Setting the Lang Attribute in Webflow
- Increased Accessibility: Makes your content more inclusive for users with disabilities.
- Higher Search Rankings: Improves visibility for language-specific queries.
- Enhanced User Experience: Provides clarity and smoother navigation for multilingual users.
- Compliance with Web Standards: Meets accessibility guidelines like WCAG, boosting your site's credibility.
Conclusion
The Lang attribute is a small but powerful tool that enhances both the accessibility and discoverability of your Webflow site. By setting the Lang attribute in your site settings, you ensure your content is inclusive, user-friendly, and optimized for search engines.
Take a moment to configure this attribute today—it’s a simple step that delivers significant results for your audience and your site’s performance.
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