Issues of translation for the ISO/TS 12913–2:2018 Attributes: Paradox of Equivalence, Non-Equivalence and suggested approaches to Construct Equivalence in Cross-Cultural soundscape research

Abstract

ISO/TS 12913–2:2018 includes selected attributes for the characterization of the perceived affective quality of soundscapes. The Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP) is an international collaboration of researchers that aims to provide translations of the ISO/TS 12913–2:2018 attributes in a growing number of languages. However, in the translation process, various issues may arise. ‘Paradox of equivalence’ refers to the issue that if a form of a test or other measure is demanded to yield comparable results in two cultures, then the more equivalent two forms become the less the probability of finding cultural differences. ‘Non-equivalence’, refers to the issue of the target language having no direct equivalent for a source language word, making absolute equivalence unattainable. This study presents and discusses examples of potential issues of equivalence in translations of ISO/TS 12913–2:2018 attributes. Α translation approach is suggested at a theoretical and practical level based on construct equivalence of attributes between source and target language, a prerequisite for valid comparisons in cross-cultural studies. In addition, suggested translation approaches for the issues of ‘paradox of equivalence’ and ‘non-equivalence’ are included. Finally, considering the above, this work discusses and supports the need for standardization of the translation process in soundscape research.