Cross‐cultural interview studies using interpreters: systematic literature review

Abstract

Methodological issues with respect to interpreters have received only limited attention in cross-cultural interview studies. Researchers in the field of nursing need to consider (1) the interpreter's role/involvement in the research process; (2) the interpreter's competence and the style of interpreting; (3) the interpreter's impact on the findings. This information is a prerequisite when trying to determine the trustworthiness of a cross-cultural study.

Seen but not heard – ethnic minorities’ views of primary health care interpreting provision: a focus group study

“…The United Kingdom (UK) is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual society (Baker and Eversley, 2000;Sanders, 2000) resulting from increased migration (Wallin and Ahlströ m, 2006). Ethnic minority groups often have to undertake many aspects of their day-to-day lives with limited English or a mix of English with their first language (Roberts et al, 2005).…”

Lost in interpretation: The use of interpreters in research on mental ill health

“…Working with an interpreter adds an additional variable. As cited in the introduction, the literature on the role of interpreters in research has predominantly offered technical advice on how to avoid errors (Kapborg and Berterö, 2002;Squires, 2009;Wallin and Ahlstrom, 2006). Squires (2009) even claims to have created methodological consensus in cross-language research.…”

“…At one end of the spectrum an interpreter is expected to translate verbatim, acting as a passive interface between subject and interpreter. At the other end the interpreter is allowed to more or less take over, or at least play a dominant role in the interview by summarizing, explaining and sometimes even responding to the researcher's questions without consulting the informant (Edwards, 1998;Squires, 2008;Wallin and Ahlstrom, 2006). These different styles have advantages and disadvantages.…”

“…The complexity associated with such research in cross-cultural settings has resulted in a increasing number of studies across several disciplines (Engstrom et al, 2010;Larkin et al, 2007;Murray and Wynne, 2001;Raval, 2003;Squires, 2009;Tribe and Keefe, 2009). Working with interpreters in qualitative research is broadly acknowledged to have methodological implications (Kapborg and Berterö, 2002;Marshall and While, 1994;Wallin and Ahlstrom, 2006). In the field of medicine, informants who could not speak the researcher's language were formerly excluded from research.…”

“…The matters discussed include the choice of an interpreter, matching informant and interpreter, determining seating arrangements, and selecting a mode of interpretation (Irvine et al, 2007;Squires, 2008;Wallin and Ahlstrom, 2006).…”