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Steven Roland
    • https://html.spec.whatwg.org/multipage/text-level-semantics.html#the-rt-element

    RT Element: Ruby Text Component

    The <rt> HTML element is used within a <ruby> element to specify the ruby text, which provides pronunciation or annotation for the base text. Ruby annotations are commonly used in East Asian typography to help with the pronunciation or understanding of characters, particularly for language learners or readers unfamiliar with certain characters.

    Usage and Characteristics

    The <rt> element is used to define the text that appears above or next to the base text in a ruby annotation. It is a child of the <ruby> element and is typically used in conjunction with the <rp> element, which provides fallback parentheses for browsers that do not support ruby annotations. Here is an example of how the <rt> tag can be used:

    <ruby>
  漢 <rp>(</rp><rt>かん</rt><rp>)</rp>
  字 <rp>(</rp><rt>じ</rt><rp>)</rp>
</ruby>

    In this example, the <rt> elements provide the pronunciation "かん" (kan) and "じ" (ji) for the characters "漢" and "字," respectively.

    Valid Attributes for <rt>

    The <rt> element does not have specific attributes beyond the global attributes, which include:

    Attribute Description
    class Specifies one or more class names for the element, used for CSS styling.
    id Defines a unique identifier for the element, useful for linking and JavaScript.
    style Contains inline CSS styles for the element.
    title Provides additional information about the element, often displayed as a tooltip.

    Benefits and Considerations

    • Semantic Meaning: The <rt> element provides semantic meaning by indicating that the enclosed content is a ruby annotation, which helps both users and search engines understand the structure and purpose of the text.

    • Accessibility: Proper use of the <rt> element enhances accessibility by providing additional information that can aid in understanding the pronunciation or meaning of text, especially for language learners or readers unfamiliar with certain characters.

    • Styling Flexibility: The appearance of ruby annotations can be customized using CSS to fit the design of the webpage, allowing for control over the positioning and styling of the annotations.

    In summary, the <rt> element is a key component of the ruby annotation system, providing the actual annotation text for the base characters. It enhances the readability and accessibility of text by offering pronunciation or meaning cues, making it easier for users to understand unfamiliar characters or words.