What affects how screen readers will interpret or voice text elements?

Screen readers interpret text elements based on several factors, and one of the most significant aspects is the proper use of punctuation and Unicode styles. Punctuation provides crucial cues that help screen readers understand the structure and meaning of written content. For example, the correct placement of commas, periods, quotation marks, and other punctuation marks helps convey pauses and inflections that are essential for accurate voicing of sentences.

Unicode styles, which include the use of special characters and symbols, can also affect how text is rendered and understood by screen readers. When these elements are used appropriately, they help to convey the intended meaning of the text effectively and ensure that the audio output aligns with the visual text. This is critical for creating an inclusive experience for users who rely on screen readers to interact with content, as it aids in clarity and comprehensibility.

In contrast, factors like text font size, text color, and document length do not directly influence how screen readers interpret the content, although they can impact the visual accessibility of the document. For instance, while a larger font size might enhance readability for sighted users, it does not alter how the screen reader interprets the text. Similarly, text color primarily affects visual contrast and does not impact how screen readers process the written