How to Change HTML Lang en-US to en WordPress

Changing the HTML lang attribute from "en-US" to just "en" in WordPress might seem like a minor task, but it can have a significant impact on your site’s SEO and accessibility. The lang attribute helps search engines and browsers understand the primary language of your website, which improves user experience and search engine rankings. By adjusting this attribute, you can ensure your WordPress site caters to a broader audience and provides more accurate language handling. In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily update the HTML lang attribute in WordPress and explain the benefits of doing so.

What is the HTML Lang Attribute?

The HTML lang attribute defines the language of the content in the webpage. By default, WordPress sets the lang attribute to "en-US" for websites with English content, as it follows the U.S. English standards. However, for some regions, you might prefer to change it to simply "en" to represent a more neutral or international version of English. This small change can have a big impact on search engines, accessibility tools, and users’ experience with your site. Understanding the purpose of this attribute helps you make an informed decision about the language setting.

Why Change from en-US to en?

The primary reason for changing the lang attribute from "en-US" to "en" is to cater to a broader, global audience. When you use "en" instead of "en-US," you’re signaling to search engines that your site is not specifically targeting U.S. users, but rather English speakers globally. This can improve your search engine rankings in countries that use English but not necessarily in the U.S. Furthermore, using "en" promotes accessibility, as screen readers and other assistive technologies can better handle the content. Making this change can help reach a wider audience and improve site accessibility.

How WordPress Sets the HTML Lang Attribute

WordPress automatically sets the lang attribute based on the site’s language settings. By default, if your site is set to English (United States), it will append "en-US" to the lang attribute in the HTML source code. To change this, you’ll need to manually adjust the settings or tweak your theme’s code. This change can be done by modifying the theme’s functions or by using plugins that allow customization of the HTML output. Let’s look at the methods for updating the lang attribute in WordPress.

Changing the Lang Attribute in WordPress Theme

The easiest way to change the lang attribute from "en-US" to "en" is by modifying your WordPress theme’s functions file (functions.php). You can add a filter that alters the language attribute dynamically. Here’s a simple code snippet to add to your functions.php file:

add_filter( 'language_attributes', 'change_lang_attribute' );  
function change_lang_attribute( $output ) {  
    $output = str_replace( 'en-US', 'en', $output );  
    return $output;  
}  

This code will automatically replace "en-US" with "en" throughout your site’s HTML output. This method is particularly useful for users comfortable with coding and who want a permanent solution.

Using a Plugin to Change the Lang Attribute

If you’re not comfortable editing code, you can use a plugin to modify the lang attribute. Plugins like "WP Multilang" or "Polylang" allow you to manage the language settings of your WordPress site easily. These plugins offer an intuitive interface that lets you choose your preferred language attribute without touching the code. Using a plugin is an excellent solution for non-developers who want to make changes quickly and safely. After installing the plugin, simply configure the language settings to use "en" instead of "en-US."

Testing and Verifying Your Changes

Once you’ve updated the lang attribute in your WordPress site, it’s essential to test and verify that the changes are working as expected. You can do this by viewing the page source in your browser and checking the opening tag. Look for the lang attribute to ensure it now reads "en" instead of "en-US." You can also use tools like Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool to see if the language setting is recognized correctly by search engines. Regular testing ensures your changes have been applied and that no issues arise.

How Changing the Lang Attribute Impacts SEO

Changing your WordPress site’s lang attribute can help search engines better understand your content’s target audience. Search engines like Google use the lang attribute to serve the most relevant content to users based on their language preferences. Using "en" instead of "en-US" ensures that your content is indexed and served to a broader English-speaking audience globally. This can improve your rankings in international markets and attract more traffic to your site. Additionally, a properly configured lang attribute can enhance your site’s overall search engine optimization (SEO).

Accessibility Benefits of Changing the Lang Attribute

The lang attribute also plays a crucial role in web accessibility. Screen readers and assistive technologies rely on the lang attribute to determine how to read the content to users. If the lang attribute is set to "en-US" but your content is in a different variation of English, such as British English, it may cause confusion for users with disabilities. By using the correct lang attribute, you ensure that screen readers and other devices properly interpret your site’s language, improving accessibility for all users. This small change can help ensure that your site complies with web accessibility standards.

Addressing Potential Compatibility Issues

After changing the lang attribute, it’s important to test your website thoroughly to ensure that it functions correctly across all devices and browsers. Some themes or plugins might rely on the lang attribute to display certain content or adjust formatting. Check your site on multiple devices and browsers to ensure that your design and functionality remain intact after the change. If you notice any issues, it may be necessary to update your theme or contact the plugin developers for compatibility support. Keeping your site compatible with all major browsers is essential for delivering a seamless user experience.

Best Practices for Maintaining a Proper Language Setting

To maintain a proper language setting in WordPress, always ensure that your site’s language settings are consistent across the dashboard and theme files. If you operate a multilingual site, make sure that the lang attribute is properly set for each language version. It’s also a good idea to periodically check your site for updates and ensure that any changes to WordPress core, themes, or plugins don’t affect your language settings. Regular audits help keep your site in top shape and improve both user experience and SEO.

Steps for Changing the HTML Lang Attribute

1. Access your theme’s functions.php file via the WordPress dashboard.
2. Add a custom function to modify the lang attribute.
3. Alternatively, install a language plugin like Polylang or WP Multilang.
4. Test the changes by viewing your page source.
5. Verify that the lang attribute is updated across your site.
6. Check your site’s functionality to ensure compatibility.
7. Monitor your site’s SEO performance after the change.

Key Benefits of Updating the Lang Attribute

1. Enhanced global reach and search engine ranking.
2. Improved site accessibility for users with disabilities.
3. Better user experience for a wider audience.
4. Reduced risk of language-related SEO issues.
5. Increased relevance of content for international audiences.
6. Simple implementation with minimal technical skills.
7. Ensured compliance with web accessibility guidelines.

By changing the lang attribute from “en-US” to “en” in your WordPress site, you can improve both your SEO rankings and site accessibility, making it more user-friendly for a global audience.

Making the switch from "en-US" to "en" is a simple yet powerful way to enhance your WordPress site. Whether you’re aiming for broader international reach or ensuring better accessibility for all users, this change can help you achieve your goals. Implement these methods today, and enjoy the benefits of improved SEO and accessibility. Don’t forget to share this guide with others who may benefit from optimizing their WordPress site. Staying ahead of best practices for web development will ensure that your site remains competitive and accessible in the ever-evolving digital world.