Transparency with Second Language and Multilingual Transcription

Abstract

Previous methodological discussions in TESOL Quarterly (TQ) discuss imperatives for transparent and reflexive research practices and reporting (Derrick, 2016;Rabbidge, 2017). This article follows these methodological discussions by considering issues in second language (L2) and multilingual transcription by inspecting transcription and analyzing its reporting in empirical contributions to TQ. The study analyzes a series of transparency continuums with transcription reporting in TQ as they pertain to general transcription reporting and reporting that is particular to L2 and multilingual transcription. The article draws its argument from seminal scholarly discussions on transcription, calling for greater transparency with the transcription process in scholarly research reports.

Mehrsprachigkeit in deutschsprachigen Kontexten

“…B. EXMARaLDA und Ähnliches), sondern wir haben es manuell gemacht. Bei der Transkription wurden außersprachliche Merkmale wie Sprechpausen und Gefühlsäußerungen vermerkt, während wir aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit und im Einklang mit unseren analytischen Zielen Überschneidungen, kleine, nicht-lexikalische Ausdrücke und Intonation weggelassen haben (Seibert 2021). In den Transkriptionen sind in der Kopfzeile Geschlecht und Geburtsjahr der Gesprächspartner angegeben sowie der Zeitpunkt und der Ort des Interviews.…”

Translation of research interviews: Do we have a problem with qualitative rigor?

“…Qualitative researchers undertaking research in one language and reporting in another need to understand the ways in which to ensure, and report on, the processes undertaken to ensure the rigor of their work. The transparency of transcriptions is key to demonstrating sound procedural and ethical decision‐making and ensuring quality in research reporting 11 . In reporting on their research, authors should seek to provide specific details of how translations were handled from data collection to reporting.…”

“…9 Al-Amer et al 8 recommend researchers maintain "a trail of atypical words" 8 (p. 1160) encountered, such as local idiosyncrasies, jargon, and slang. It has also been suggested that transparency of translations in research reports could be enhanced by providing participant quotations in the original language as well as in English 11 ; however, this is currently not normal practice in nursing or other health professions. Furthermore, research texts are largely silent on this issue meaning there is little guidance for researchers.…”

“…The transparency of transcriptions is key to demonstrating sound procedural and ethical decision-making and ensuring quality in research reporting. 11 In reporting on their research, authors should seek to provide specific details of how translations were handled from data collection to reporting. Similarly, editors and reviewers need to be mindful of this issue, observant, and seeking to ask questions when manuscripts are submitted from predominantly non-English speaking countries, or that report on research carried out with particular cultural groups.…”