Hello!
I am planning cross-cultural study in psychology.
I've read various articles, but I can’t understand what are the requirements for translators? I’m at the stage one - translating the original instrument. Let’s say, my translator 1 is fluent in target language with a good understanding of original language and works in translation agency + has a university degree in some field (not in philology) Translator 2- the same. Translator 3 (for a synthesized translated version) is fluent in target language, with a good understanding of original language + has a higher education in Philology!
My question: is it ok? I mean “translator” doesn’t automatically mean that he/she has a bachelor, master or PhD degree in Philology.
What do you think about it?
The extent of fluency is the main consideration, not the specific credential. In particular, you need a translated version that will be easily understandable by the people who are responding to the questions.
The most common way to assure the effectiveness of a translation is what is known as "back translation," which involves two independent translators. The first translates from the original language to the target language, and then the second person translates that back from the target language into the original. The obvious goal is to reproduce the original version, but if there are problems, the two translators should confer to reach a resolution.
Forward and back translation.
Standardized process according to international standards.
Matt
It might be a good idea to have more than one translator work on your survey, particularly if there are cultural considerations that need to be taken into account.
About 2 years ago, a colleague and I had assistance from four translators when we wanted to have a survey that was originally in English translated into Chinese. Some of the four translators worked together, and a variety of issues were raised and overcome that might have bypassed a single translator.
After all of that, we had someone back translate the Chinese survey, and we checked the back translation to resolve a minor issue.
Oleksandra Shatilova. Not at all. I hoped that my being "personal" was not inappropriate but, rather, might shed some light on things for you. I certainly agree with you that you don't need linguistic experts to do the translating. You need thoughtful, aware, people - and certainly not those who are slap happy.
If you need any references, I could probably track a couple of helpful ones down for you - but you might be OK.
Robert Trevethan, It was appropriate.
Besides, your article about measuring teacher sense of efficacy helped me a lot. Now I realize what I have to add in my article.
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