New approach to translating instruments for cross-cultural research: a combined qualitative and quantitative approach for translation and consensus generation

Translation is the very essence of ethnographic research. The current practice of translation and back translation of an instrument is considered by some as inadequate. We used a combined qualitative and quantitative method: a nominal group to translate and assess the extent of agreement (consensus measurement) on the appropriateness of the translation and resolve disagreement (consensus development).

A panel (n = 9) fluent in English and Sinhala, translated the 21‐item Bradford Somatic Inventory, independently of one another. Each member rated each individual translation independently, for conceptual and semantic equivalence based on predefined quantitative measures for consensus. Translations failing to reach consensus were discussed by the group for modifications and subjected to the process of consensus generation. Translations agreed to be inappropriate were excluded. Translations agreed as appropriate were subjected to ranking and the final selection.

The process of translation confirmed that only part of the original meaning could be expressed in local terms. This resulted in the loss of some connotations making the item too narrow, or conversely in having to expand the original meaning in the local language terms making the translated item broader.

No single participant produced a significantly different contribution to the final outcome than other participants. The range of contribution to the finally selected questionnaire was five to eight translations with median of seven. Therefore the likelihood of one individual producing a translation of an instrument with 100% probability of acceptance to a wider group is unrealistic.

A group is better placed to translate, modify or eliminate inadequate or ambiguous items and generate culturally appropriate translation with semantic and conceptual equivalents. The process we describe, to assess and guide translations by a group, is better than arbitrary decision making by one or more individuals handling the translations and back translations. The combined qualitative and quantitative approach provides a more rigorous, systematic and contextual approach to translations.