Understandable · Level AAA · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 3.1.6: Pronunciation
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
At Level AAA, provide a way to identify pronunciation when a word's meaning in context depends on how it is spoken and would otherwise be ambiguous. This is a targeted requirement, not a demand to pronounce every word.
A practical example
A language lesson uses the same written word for two meanings distinguished by pronunciation. Add a phonetic explanation or an accessible audio example associated with each use so learners can distinguish them.
How to check it
- Find words where pronunciation is necessary to disambiguate the intended meaning.
- Check for an available pronunciation mechanism suited to the language and audience.
- Verify that a text or audio explanation is associated with the correct occurrence and can be operated accessibly.
What can be missed
A pronunciation guide is not required for every unfamiliar word under this criterion. Assess ambiguity of meaning in context and consider whether audio-only help needs an additional usable explanation.
Record your test
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These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.