Specifying the language of a target file when it differs from the current page allows users to anticipate the nature of the document before downloading and ensures the selection matches their language skills.

Objectives

• Allow users to know what to expect before downloading a document, avoiding confusion or frustration.
• Help readers quickly identify files available in their preferred language, improving the reading experience.
• Reduce the risk of errors and unnecessary downloads, improving efficiency and user satisfaction.

Implementation

• Explicitly state the language of every downloadable file.
• Use the lang attribute to specify the language of HTML elements, including links to downloadable files.
• Clearly indicate the file’s language within the link text or an associated description.

Control

• Ensure that every download link includes a clear indication of the file’s language within the descriptive text.
• Use language detection tools to partially automate this task.