I'm developing a qualitative study (interviewing women about their experiences of postnatal care) and would like to include women who don't speak English. Does anyone have experience of using interpreters to conduct interviews in another language their behalf and does anyone know how to go about finding them please?
Thanks in advance
Very interesting issue, I don't have a specific experience regarding interviewing using an interpreter, but I do have experience interviewing fellow researchers who don't speak Spanish, there are two issues to attend. One the complex process of conducting an qualitative interview, because professional skills are quite needed, so maybe an interpreter cannot offer the reliability you need to ensure validity (looking it from a post positivism point of view), mostly because when one conducts an interview without the adequate qualification so much can be lost in the process. The second one is regarding results and the proceeding to analyze then, because non english responses should only be taken under consideration from participants voice and world view, which porbably will difficult establish a framework for all participants. Maybe could you consider to invite to collaborate born language speakers, professionals collegues I mean, with the propper professional background and skills. I know that this is not much, but I truly hope helps you in some way, greetings from Cuba
Thank you Alfredo, you've given me some important things to consider and helpful ideas which I will definitely take on board. It's much appreciated!
Many thanks
Layla
It depends on your local context. I have included people who don't speak English in a few ways:
1. Hire research assistants/interviewers who are bilingual - English and the language I want to conduct interviews in. They have then been able to transcribe interviews or check interview transcriptions and include very helpful notes on local/cultural meanings of language, e.g., sayings/idioms.
2. Collaborate with partner organizations who work with communities I want to include - in addition to having connections with interpreters, this is very important for many reasons. They contribute in critical ways throughout the research process.
3. Hire professional interpreters who understand the need to translate everything rather than to summarize. For health research, community health centres and/or hospitals often have interpreters they work with who would also then be familiar with the health system and health-specific language.
Select assisstants who can speak both languages and follow the guidelines of the interview and do the intervew as well
Select assisstants who can speak both languages and follow the guidelines of the interview and do the intervew as well
Just reach out to the people that understand the language you use or want to use for your research and their eloquent in other official language of of your target audience (if is globally or otherwise). Remember;no language is globally accepted for now.
Thanks Diana. I should have been clearer, I'm conducting the research in England and want to recruit women from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including women who don't speak English. This means engaging interpreters to conduct qualitative interviews on my behalf and translate the transcripts.
I wish you success, progress and tender in the paths of science and knowledge, i interested in following the answer related to your excellent question . I kindly add one point you can read more about the community and language before starting your work.
warm regards,
Qualitative research techniques include:
- Start interviews with “get-to-know-you” questions to put the interview participant at ease.
- Pay attention.
- Use active listening techniques.
- Watch for body language cues.
- Pivot questions as needed.
- Acknowledge emotions.
- Avoid interrogation.
I did similar one, please refere to my page and go through "Exploring the lived experience of Arab patients ...etc" as it was my master thesis.
Thanks.
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