Accessible Excel (implementation guide)

2.2. Main language

The main language of the document corresponds to the language set for the spell checker.

What is meant by this?

It is important that the language set for the spell checker in Excel matches the language that is primarily used in the document. If multiple languages are used in a document, the language for certain sections or words can be changed manually to ensure that the spell checker works correctly (see 3.1).

Why is it important?

It is important that the main language of the document matches the language of the spell checker to ensure that the document is read out correctly in terms of pronunciation using speech output programmes. Otherwise, a document may be difficult to understand for recipients with limited reading ability, learning difficulties or visual impairments who have documents read to them with the support of a screen reader. If the actual language does not comply with the spell checker, this can lead to incorrect pronunciation by the screen reader and voice output, so that the content of the document is misunderstood or distorted in its meaning.

How can I implement/check it?

To customise the main language in a document, there are different procedures for Mac and Windows operating systems:

The main language of an Excel file can be customised as follows:

For Mac:

The main language in Mac cannot be customised. The main language at installation applies.

For Windows:

1. Open the Excel file and click on "File" in the menu bar.
2. Click on "Options" at the end of the menu.
3. Click on "Language" on the left-hand side of the window.
4. Select the desired language from the "Main language for documents" drop-down menu.
5. Click on "OK" to save the settings.

As soon as the main language of the presentation has been changed, Excel's correction aids and spell checkers are automatically set to this language.