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bold vs. strong, italics vs. emphasis

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From: Chagnon | PubCom
Date: Dec 14, 2012 12:57PM


While doing research for a client's project, I stumbled on this article that
attempts to describe the difference between the <b> and <strong> tags, and
the <i> and <em> tags in HTML4 and HTML5.

The article: http://www.impressivewebs.com/bold-italic-html5/

Here's what I understand from the author's interpretation of the HTML 4 & 5
specifications:

<b> and <i> are only for visual formatting, that is to make the text appear
different on the screen. From the spec, "stylistically offset from the
normal prose without conveying any extra importance."

<strong> and <em> are for giving the text more importance. From the spec,
"strong importance for its contents."

How does this interpretation mesh with accessibility? Does it mean that <b>
and <i> are only stylized and, therefore, not necessary for blind users to
see?

What say thee, oh wise web-AIM ones? I'd like your thoughts on this.



-Bevi Chagnon

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Developers.

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Accessibility.

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- It's our 31st year! -