is there a javascript to translate symbols to words?

I am using the chevron (>) symbol to provide a path for the user to access a window in the application, for example.

Select Admin > Preferences > Practice to access the COB window. 

Is there a way to translate the chevron symbol (>) to a word for example:

Select Admin and then Preferences and then Practice

OR

Select Admin chevron Preferences chevron Practice

Is there a javascript or a wizard that we could run to activate words for symbols?