There are various types of translation problems, not all of which have received sufficient attention. Translation of questions or other verbal stimuli has received more attention than problems of achieving equivalence in translations of orienting and task in-structions and responses. Vocabulary equivalence must take into account language as used by respondents and the possibility of terms lacking equivalents across languages. Equivalence in idiom and in grammar and syntax may be important, but equivalence in terms of experiences and concepts tapped is probably most important of all. Direct translation cannot be assumed to produce equivalent versions of verbal stimuli. Back-translation is not only achievable but is likely to be highly satisfactory if care is taken in its use, especially in locating translators facile in the actual language of target subjects. While the de-centering proposals of Werner and Campbell have much to recommend them, de-centering becomes progressively difficult as one goes from two to multi-culture studies. For the latter purposes a "carrier" language seems inevitably necessary.
Five hundred and sixty‐five human figure drawings by 8 to 11 year old Nigerian boys and girls are analyzed in terms of depiction of dress, physical features, work activities, facial expression and social roles. These drawings are assumed to project the social values of present‐day Nigerian society.
The analysis indicates a dominant preference for modern dress, attachment to own‐group physical features, and choice of family relatives as subjects of the drawing. In addition, more men than women are drawn as engaged in work, and more women than men are shown with smiling faces. Reasons for drawing a particular person include kindness of the person towards the respondent, his/her wealth, qualities of character, possession of certain skills and attractive features.
The results seem to indicate transition from some of Nigeria's traditional values and an attempt at readjustment in a rapidly changing society.
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