Why I think using the term "parse unambiguously" is essential in the WCAG 2.0 specifically in 4.1.1.

"4.1.1  Delivery units can be parsed unambiguously and the
relationships in the resulting data structure are also unambiguous."

 

Web markup language is a way to bundle natural language so it can be 
interpreted for publication.  By natural language I mean all text for 
reading, digitized pictures, music and any other communication media 
that can load up onto a computer and understood by humans, but whose 
meaning cannot be deduced reliably by a program. There are two elements 
to web information bundling: the grammatical (or parsing structure) and 
the syntax directed translation for presentation.  These are kept in 
XHTML and CSS files respectively.  The reason that XHTML and CSS are so 
profoundly useful for information accessibility is because bundling 
hides difficult ambiguous elements of natural language and focuses only 
on the structure and presentation of a publication.  Relative to the 
XHTML syntax and CSS translation schemes, the document is unambiguous 
both syntactically and semantically.  The natural language chunks may be 
ill formed, ugly or meaningless, but they will be presented exactly as 
the author wished by programs that conform to the guidelines. 

 

This syntax structure paired with independent syntax directed 
translations is the foundation of interoperability.  It is the deepest 
discovery of the W3C because it is the key to universal access.  From 
the same source literally limitless publication formats can be 
produced.  Unambiguous parsed content is the key.

 

Now, I am not one to force everyone to learn how to build a watch so 
they can tell time.  But, there are appropriate levels of complexity 
that must be understood before certain topics can be discussed.  In the 
case of interoperability for the sake of access, unambiguous parsing is 
one of those concepts.  WCAG does not say always use simple language.  
It recommends using the simplest language possible to describe a 
concept.  When you are talking about a universal accessibility 
infrastructure, unambiguous parsing is the simplest possible term.

 

See you all Friday,

Wayne

Received on Wednesday, 11 January 2006 18:48:35 UTC