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In order to implement Guideline 4, the primary language of a document must first be identified, and then any subsequent changes in language must be indicated. The initial step is accomplished by adding the language (or "lang") attribute to the opening "html" tag found at the top of the document. Instead of using the full name of a language (such as English), a two-letter abbreviation is used. A lengthy list of language codes is available from the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards.
<html lang = "en">Once the primary language of a document has been identified, changes in language that occur within the text also need to be declared. This technique is not used to provide a translation of the word or phrase; instead, it simply identifies the language and indicates where it begins and ends. This can be done by using a pair of "span" container tags with the language attribute. The opening span tag marks the beginning of a new language segment, while the closing tag indicates the end. After the closing span tag, the document reverts to the primary language previously declared. The HTML code below identifies the appearance of a French phrase.
Artists using the <span lang = "fr">trompe l'oeil</span> style attempt to "fool the eye."As Access Art was developed, a large number of new documents were written and existing documents were adapted for the site. In both cases, these catalogue entries and commentaries were closely checked and variations in language were noted. This process was also applied to all image descriptions and audio transcripts, which are accommodations themselves. The following example is derived from commentary written by Clarence W. Kelley about a pair of Japanese screen paintings. The HTML code below identifies the appearance of a Japanese term.
. . . By the end of the 17th century, a distinctive association had developed between classical literature and a type of screen painting known as <span lang = "ja">byobu-uta</span> (poems for screens), as seen in this pair of screen paintings . . .
Japanese Edo period (1615 - 1868)
MUSASHI PLAIN, late 17th - early 18th century
Pair of six-fold screens: ink, colors and gold on paper
Each panel: Height 66 1/2 inches Width 24 1/4 inches
Museum purchase, 1960.24a-b
" . . . By the end of the 17th century, a distinctive association had developed between classical literature and a type of screen painting known as byobu-uta (poems for screens), as seen in this pair of screen paintings . . . "In addition to language changes, Guideline 4 also applies to the use of abbreviations and acronyms within Web documents.