Steps to Prepare Bilingual Data for Analysis: A Methodological Approach

Abstract

This methodological paper offers a five-step model for preparing bilingual data for analysis. The article is guided by research in translating bilingual data into qualitative research. A systematic analysis of the research studies was conducted to identify workable options for preparing bilingual data for analysis. The proposed five-step model is comprised of (1) translator’s worldview and professionalism, (2) epistemological, ontological, and methodological considerations, (3) line of translation, (4) responsiveness to cultural terms and (5) eagerness to trustworthiness and reliability of the data. Researcher’s worldviews encompass the visibility of translator’s positionality for reflexivity, avoidance of biasness, and demonstration of professionalism. The bilingual data needs treatment based on epistemological, ontological, and methodological orientations which the translators need to be mindful of. The researcher must be clear on the line of translation in opting for direct translation, back-translation, single translation, or multiple translations. The translated data must be responsive to the cultural contexts to carry on sense and meaning. Depending on the methodological approaches and contextual requirements, the translation work must meet the needs of trustworthiness and validity. The literature is silent on the translations of non-verbal cues. Therefore, this problem should be dealt with separately in future research endeavors. Similarly, future research on linguistic contexts and translation work in diverse research approaches such as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods is needed.