Unusual Words
Summary:
WCAG 3.1.3, "Unusual Words," focuses on making web content more accessible by providing explanations for words or phrases that are not part of the ordinary vocabulary of the page's primary language or that might be ambiguous or jargon.
What:
This guideline requires that explanations are provided for unusual words, including idioms, jargon, specialized terms, and abbreviations.
Why:
Providing definitions for uncommon terms is crucial for users with cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, or those who are not native speakers of the page's language. It ensures that the content is comprehensible to a wider audience.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Technical Documentation: Offer a glossary for specialized terms used in a technical guide.
- Healthcare Websites: Define medical jargon in layman's terms for general audiences.
- Legal Pages: Explain legal terms and abbreviations to make the content accessible to non-experts.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Include a glossary or provide in-line definitions or tooltips for unusual words.
- Mobile Apps: Implement features to offer definitions or link to explanations for specialized terms.
- Software Applications: Provide user-accessible resources or context menus for unfamiliar terms and jargon.
Exceptions:
- Names and Titles: Proper names, titles, or phrases where definitions would not enhance understanding.
- General Vocabulary: Commonly used words that are expected to be within the vocabulary of the majority of the target audience.