WCAG (Level AAA) SC 3.1.3 Unusual Words (w3.org)
Issue description
WCAG 3.1.3, “Unusual Words” focuses on making web content more accessible to people with cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, or those who are unfamiliar with the specific terminology used on a page. It addresses the challenge of understanding unusual or unfamiliar words that might not be part of everyday language.
Many websites use jargon, technical terms, or uncommon words without providing explanations or definitions. This can create barriers for users who:
- Have cognitive disabilities: Users with cognitive disabilities may have difficulty understanding complex or unfamiliar vocabulary.
- Have learning disabilities: Users with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, might struggle to decode or comprehend unusual words.
- Are unfamiliar with the subject matter: Users who are new to the topic or field might not be familiar with the specific terminology.
WCAG requirements
This guideline requires that a mechanism for identifying the definitions of words used in an unusual or restricted way is available. This can be achieved through:
- Providing definitions: Define unusual words within the content itself, using parentheses, footnotes, or hyperlinks to glossaries or dictionaries.
- Creating a glossary: Compile a glossary of terms specific to the website or subject matter and provide a link to it.
- Using tooltips or pop-up definitions: Use tooltips or pop-up definitions that appear when the user hovers over or clicks on the unusual word.
Benefits
- Improved comprehension: Users can easily understand the meaning of unfamiliar words, regardless of their prior knowledge or cognitive abilities.
- Reduced ambiguity: It clarifies the meaning of words that might have multiple interpretations or be used in a specific context.
- Enhanced accessibility: It makes the content more accessible to users with cognitive or learning disabilities and those unfamiliar with the terminology.
Essentially, this guideline promotes clarity and understanding by ensuring that unusual or restricted words are defined or explained, making the content more accessible to a wider audience.
Related requirements
The following WCAG source criteria are often related to this as well. They can provide additional insights into specific challenges you may be encountering.
- WCAG (Level A) SC 3.1.1 Language of Page
- WCAG (Level AA) SC 3.1.2 Language of Parts
- WCAG (Level AAA) SC 3.1.4 Abbreviations
- WCAG (Level AAA) SC 3.1.5 Reading Level
- WCAG (Level AAA) SC 3.1.6 Pronunciation
Who this issue impacts
Follow the links for additional information on user impairments:
Suggestions for remediation
Remediating WCAG 3.1.3 “Unusual Words” involves providing mechanisms for users to understand the meaning of unfamiliar or specialized vocabulary used on your web pages. Here’s how:
Provide definitions within the content
- Parentheses or footnotes: Define the word the first time it appears using parentheses or footnotes.
- Example: “The website uses responsive design (a design approach that adapts to different screen sizes).”
- Hyperlinks to definitions: Link the unusual word to a glossary, dictionary, or other resource that provides a definition.
Create a glossary
- Dedicated page or section: Compile a glossary of terms specific to your website or subject matter.
- Clear definitions: Provide clear and concise definitions in plain language.
- Link to the glossary: Include a link to the glossary from pages where unusual words are used.
Use tooltips or pop-up definitions
- Hover or click: Use tooltips or pop-up definitions that appear when the user hovers over or clicks on the unusual word.
- JavaScript libraries: Use JavaScript libraries or ARIA attributes to implement this functionality.
Consider user needs
- Cognitive disabilities: Ensure definitions are clear, concise, and easy to understand, avoiding jargon or complex language.
- Assistive technology compatibility: Test the implementation with screen readers to ensure that the unusual words and their definitions are conveyed correctly.
Testing
- Screen reader testing: Test the page with a screen reader to ensure that the unusual words and their meanings are conveyed effectively.
- User testing: Conduct user testing with people with cognitive disabilities to get feedback on the clarity and usability of the definitions.
Example
If your website uses the term “affordance” (which refers to the properties of an object that suggest how it can be used), you can:
- Provide a definition: “The button’s affordance (its visual appearance and interactive cues) makes it clear that it can be clicked.”
- Link to a glossary: “The design utilizes clear affordances (see our glossary for definition).”
- Use a tooltip:
<span title="The properties of an object that suggest how it can be used">affordance</span>
By implementing these techniques, you can ensure that all users, regardless of their background knowledge or cognitive abilities, can understand the vocabulary used on your website, improving accessibility and comprehension.
