Abstract
In collaborative qualitative research in Asia, data are usually collected in the national language, and this poses challenges for analysis. Translation of transcripts to a language common to the whole research team is time consuming and expensive; meaning can easily be lost in translation; and validity of the data may be compromised in this process. We draw on several published examples from public health research conducted in mainland China, to highlight how language can influence rigour in the qualitative research process; for each problem we suggest potential solutions based on the methods used in one of our research projects in China.Problems we have encountered include obtaining sufficient depth and detail in qualitative data; deciding on language for data collection; managing data collected in Mandarin; and the influence of language on interpreting meaning.We have suggested methods for overcoming problems associated with collecting, analysing, and interpreting qualitative data in a local language, that we think help maintain analytical openness in collaborative qualitative research. We developed these methods specifically in research conducted in Mandarin in mainland China; but they need further testing in other countries with data collected in other languages. Examples from other researchers are needed.
Highlights
In collaborative qualitative research in Asia, data are usually collected in the national language, and this poses challenges for analysis. [1] Translation of transcripts to a language common to the whole research team costs time and money; and meaning is distorted or lost in translation: in some languages and dialects there are literally no direct translations for some words and for other words several meanings can be assigned [2]
We have suggested methods for overcoming problems associated with collecting, analysing, and interpreting qualitative data in a local language, that we think help maintain analytical openness in collaborative qualitative research
We developed these methods in research conducted in Mandarin in mainland China; but they need further testing in other countries with data collected in other languages
Summary
In collaborative qualitative research in Asia, data are usually collected in the national language, and this poses challenges for analysis. [1] Translation of transcripts to a language common to the whole research team costs time and money; and meaning is distorted or lost in translation: in some languages and dialects there are literally no direct translations for some words and for other words several meanings can be assigned [2]. Http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2288/8/44 tive data to disease experts or epidemiologists, and local researchers are more likely to be familiar with the intricacies of the health system and socio-cultural characteristics of participants than those from outside Bringing these differing perspectives to bear on emerging conceptual frameworks and explanations helps ensure the findings are grounded in and supported by the data and accurate underlying meaning (and conceptual equivalence) is conveyed. Suggested solutions Data interpretation is frequently described as an intuitive and imaginative process which cannot be reduced to simple mechanical steps [24], but we found this process can be more critical, the interpretations more valid, and the findings more credible, by involving researchers with a) different methodological perspectives and disciplinary interests, b) detailed understanding of the study context including the cultural characteristics of participants and the structure of the health system, and c) the ability to accurately convey meaning of data collected in a local language. We used verbatim quotes in Mandarin together with English translations to illustrate the meaning of each main theme so that Mandarin and English speaking readers could judge for themselves the credibility of our interpretations and research findings [5]
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