Techniques for WCAG 2.0

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G55: Linking to definitions

Applicability

All technologies that include links.

This technique relates to:

Description

The objective of this technique is to make the definition of a word, phrase, or abbreviation available by providing the definition, either within the same Web page or in a different Web page, and establishing a link between the item and its definition.

Links are a powerful option for providing access to the definition of a word, phrase, or abbreviation. A user can use the link to find the definition quickly and easily, and then return to his place in the content via the user agent's Back button.

Examples

Example 1

Technical terms and abbreviations in an article about sports injuries are linked to definitions in a medical dictionary.

Example 2

A textbook contains a glossary of new vocabulary words introduced in each chapter. The first occurrence of each of these words is linked to its definition in the glossary.

Example 3

A general glossary of abbreviations is provided. All occurrences of abbreviations are linked directly to the appropriate definition within that glossary.

Example 4

The word jargon is linked to its definition in the WCAG2 Glossary.

Example 5

The word "modulo" is jargon used in Web content about mathematics. A definition for modulo is included within the Web page. Each occurrence of the word modulo is linked to its definition.

Example 6

A Japanese idiom is linked to its definition. This example uses a link within the page to navigate to the definition of an idiomatic expression.

Example Code:


<p>....<a href="#definition">さじを投げる</a>....</p>

<h3>脚注:</h3>
<dl>
<dt id="definition" name="definition">さじを投げる</dt>
<dd>どうすることもできなくなり、あきらめること。</dd>
</dl> 

Resources

No resources available for this technique.

(none currently listed)

Tests

Procedure

For each word, phrase, or abbreviation to be defined:

  1. Check that at least the first instance of the item is a link.

  2. Check that each link navigates to the definition of the item.

Expected Results