# lang= — the generic language URL parameter

- Canonical: https://linkclean.app/trackers/lang/
- Updated: 2026-07-20
- Author: Ken Tominaga (https://ken0nek.com)
- Get the app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/linkclean/id6758604043

Parameter: `lang` · Category: Region & language (preserved) · Vendor: Generic language convention · functional — preserved

> `lang=` is the **generic language parameter** — a convention many non-Google sites adopt to select the interface or content language. Wikipedia uses `setlang`/`uselang`; many CMSes use `lang` directly. **Functional, not tracking.** LinkClean preserves it.

## What lang= does

On sites that support multiple languages, `lang=en`, `lang=fr`, `lang=ja` etc. usually selects which translation of the page (or which language of the UI chrome) gets rendered. Variants: `language=`, `locale=`, `setlang`, `uselang` — all serve the same purpose at different vendors.

Where Google uses `hl` (host language) and `gl` (geolocation), the rest of the web mostly uses some variant of `lang`. It's a recognised convention in many CMSes (WordPress with multilingual plugins, Drupal, MediaWiki).

## Why it's preserved

lang= shapes content (which translation loads). Stripping it can drop the user back to the site's default language — usually English — which can be the opposite of what the sender intended when sharing the link.

## How LinkClean handles it

Preserved on every host. Companion to hl, gl, setlang, uselang in the language/region exemption set.

## Example

Example URL: `https://example.com/article?lang=ja`

LinkClean preserves this parameter — no change.

## Frequently asked

**Is lang= a standard?**

More of a convention than a standard. Different vendors use `lang`, `language`, `locale`, `setlang`, `uselang` — all to mean roughly the same thing.

**Does Google use lang= too?**

Google uses `hl` (host language) instead — same idea, different name. lang= shows up more on non-Google sites.

**Is lang= ever a tracker?**

Effectively never. LinkClean preserves it on every host.


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