Inclusive language

Writing with inclusive language improves comprehension across a diverse audience. Use the following guidelines to write effective, accessible content:

• Know your target audience and purpose.

• Focus on clear communication through shorter words, shorter sections, active voice, and present tense.

• Avoid large blocks of text. Use bulleted lists to break up content.

• For instructions on how to use or understand content, avoid language that relies exclusively on sensory details such as shape, color, size, visual location, orientation, or sound to identify components.

• Check that the reading level is appropriate, and that industry-specific vocabulary can be understood. Consider defining unusual words and spelling out acronyms.

Note:

WCAG 3.1.3 Unusual Words is an AAA criterion, which is above the standard Esri supports. However, since GIS (geographic information systems) has extensive industry-specific vocabulary, consider defining terms based on your target audience.

Languages

The language of an application is determined by the language set in an individual’s browser or operating system. The specified language also controls the way time, date, and numerical values appear. To support dynamic translation of inline content, a content author will need to use the Language Switcher.