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Reflections on translating qualitative research data: Experiences from P akistan
Author(s) -
Bashiruddin Ayesha
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of applied linguistics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.712
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1473-4192
pISSN - 0802-6106
DOI - 10.1111/ijal.12041
Subject(s) - narrative , context (archaeology) , meaning (existential) , negotiation , reflection (computer programming) , qualitative research , linguistics , representation (politics) , qualitative property , sociology , psychology , computer science , political science , social science , politics , philosophy , law , programming language , paleontology , machine learning , psychotherapist , biology
This paper grows out of my reflections on conducting narrative inquiry for over a decade in the context of P akistan. It addresses the question: What have I lost in translation? The question is complex and multidimensional since it includes translation of various kinds: that is translation (i) from one language to another; (ii) of representation of data and (iii) of situating narratives in a social context. The analysis of my reflection demonstrates three important lessons for a qualitative researcher who is involved in researching multilingually: converting data from one language to another requires accuracy and proficiency in both the languages; meaning making and representing involves negotiation with the participants; and situating the stories in social context requires knowledge of the context.