Problems of Translation in Cross-Cultural Research

Abstract

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.

Translating Genetics Leaflets into Languages Other Than English: Lessons from an Assessment of Urdu Materials

“…However, back-translation can introduce further inconsistencies and will not detect all errors of meaning. Its major advantage "is that it operates as a filter through which nonequivalent terms will not readily pass" (Sechrest et al, 1972); nonequivalent terms, central to the message of the leaflet, may need to be retained, transliterated, and explained, as discussed above. Back-translation may also reveal unanticipated problems with the English text, which can then be improved upon.…”

“…If the word cannot be found in a dictionary, the translator might choose an approximate equivalent in the target language or coin a new term or phrase or else leave the term untranslated. The decisions that translators make in these cases can significantly shape the meaning of the resulting text (Birbili, 2000;Sechrest et al, 1972;Temple, 1997;Twinn, 1997).…”

“…The grammatical structures of languages differ widely, with sometimes critical implications for meanings in translation (Sechrest et al, 1972). A literal, word-for-word translation may be technically accurate but sound stilted.…”

“…Translators are often "chosen from a population of highly educated persons who speak and write somewhat pedantically in both their languages," even though academic or "dictionary language is often not the language of the people" (Sechrest et al, 1972). A translation, although accurate, may not be easy to understand.…”

“…A translation, although accurate, may not be easy to understand. Sometimes "English may at times need to be translated into English, and Urdu into Urdu" (Sechrest et al, 1972), but translators may feel that they lack the right to alter unnecessarily long and complicated English sentences.…”