- From: Cheryl D. Wise <cdwise@wiserways.com>
- Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 11:05:54 -0600
- To: "'wai-ig list'" <w3c-wai-ig@w3.org>
I consider myself to reasonably computer savvy yet I had never considered setting the language preference in a browser. I do know how to set it in Windows and on my own computer that is sufficient. I travel a fair bit and can get by in a couple of languages besides English (French, Spanish) so that I can use a computer in Mexico or France enough to work in an internet café but I prefer not to view websites in either of those languages where there is an option to use English. I intensely dislike it when people mess with the settings of my computer so I am careful not to change the settings on other people's computer if I "borrow" or rent one for access while traveling. So even if I had thought of changing the browser language I would be unlikely to do so. While auto serving the default language seems like a good idea there should be an easy visible method of changing the language if a site is offered in multiple languages. I believe that few people realize a site is offered in more than the default language served unless there is a visible option to choose another language. Preferably with the language name written in the language used such as English, Français, Español, etc. Relying on a visitor to have the appropriate language set in these days of easy international travel and internet cafes is too limiting. And no, I do not have any statistics to point you to and this is based on my personal experience and that of people who work with me who travel internationally. Which is why I prefer to take my own laptop or PDA and use it to access the net instead of using internet cafes, that way I know the computer/language I'm working in. Many people don't have that luxury. Cheryl D. Wise Certified Professional Web Developer MS-MVP-FrontPage www.wiserways.com mailto: cdwise@wiserways.com 713.353.0139 Office
Received on Monday, 22 March 2004 12:02:27 UTC