font-language-override
The font-language-override CSS property controls the use of language-specific glyphs in a typeface.
By default, HTML's lang attribute tells browsers to display glyphs designed specifically for that language. For example, a lot of fonts have a special character for the digraph fi that merge the dot on the "i" with the "f." However, if the language is set to Turkish the typeface will likely know not to use the merged glyph; Turkish has two versions of the "i," one with a dot (i) and one without (ı), and using the ligature would incorrectly transform a dotted "i" into a dotless "i."
The font-language-override property lets you override the typeface behavior for a specific language. This is useful, for example, when the typeface you're using lacks proper support for the language. For instance, if a typeface doesn't have proper rules for the Azeri language, you can force the font to use Turkish glyphs, which follow similar rules.
Browser support
| Feature | Desktop | Mobile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Edge | Firefox | Safari | Chrome Android | Safari iOS | |
| 143 | 143 | 34 | | 143 | | |
- Available with a vendor prefix: -moz- (4)
Syntax
.serbian {
font-language-override: "SRB";
}
.turkish {
font-language-override: "TRK";
}Live demo
Use cases
-
Refine text rhythm
Use font-language-override to make long-form reading or dense interface copy easier to scan and understand.
-
Support language nuances
Apply font-language-override when different writing systems or typographic conventions need more deliberate control.
Cautions
- Test font-language-override in the browsers you support, especially if it changes layout, text handling, or interaction behavior.
- Plan a fallback or acceptable degradation path when support is still limited.
Accessibility
- Check readability with zoom, narrow screens, and mixed-language content so text remains understandable.