Translating tools for better parent-based assessment: An exploratory study

Abstract

BackgroundCurrent speech language assessment and intervention measures are not always culturally valid, as they are not standardised specifically for the various cultural groups within the South African population; and thus need to be adapted.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine the appropriateness and utility of translations of the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) instrument (60 month age group) from English to the Hindi language and culture, which is represented in South Africa.MethodsBiographical questionnaires, ASQ and evaluation thereof were translated in Hindi and completed by parents of 15 typically developing South African preschool children of Indian origin, at the 60 month age level (including children between 57 and 66 months).ResultsParticipants reported that the questions were well phrased, and that illustrations and tips helped them to complete the questionnaires quickly and accurately. They preferred to be questioned in Hindi, which helped them understand the questions and made it easier to provide the necessary information to answer the questions.ConclusionsIn conclusion, it is evident that this translation of the ASQ (60 month age group) from English to Hindi served as an appropriate tool for use with the middle socioeconomic class Hindi (Indian) language and culture. The results of this study would assist to determine the functionality of culturally and linguistically valid assessment tools for different populations, and would contribute to the development of Early Childhood Intervention as a whole in South Africa. It would also contribute to the development of multilingual informal school-readiness screening questionnaires appropriate for the South African context. This is particularly relevant, as school-readiness assessments take place at 60 months to ensure that the child is ready to learn by school age (6–7 years).

Comparative use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires in low‐ and middle‐income countries

“…(Two studies did not provide sufficient detail to ascertain setting type.) As an example, the three feasibility studies conducted in South Africa targeted participants from rural, urban, and suburban settings. Additionally, South African researchers examined the feasibility of translating the ASQ to three of the country's 11 languages (e.g.…”

“…Additionally, South African researchers examined the feasibility of translating the ASQ to three of the country's 11 languages (e.g. Afrikaans, Hindi, and Sesotho) for use with ‘middle‐class’ households, as well as families facing socio‐economic inequalities …”

“…Three studies reported an estimated window of time for administration (e.g. 20–30min) . Finally, only one study discussed cost, noting that the ASQ could be ‘conducted at a low cost’.…”

“…These studies provide valuable preliminary information on the appropriateness and acceptability of a measure and, depending on the design of the study, may help inform development of screening systems and procedures, including identification of enablers and barriers to implementation and scale‐up. Three unrelated and temporally dispersed studies conducted in South Africa provide an impromptu exemplar of the value of examining feasibility, as well as the complexity of translating and adapting assessments to new contexts . Each shares a similar purpose – examining the appropriateness of the ASQ in a new language and culture – and yet each study adapts the measure to a different language for use with a unique population within the same country.…”

“…Each shares a similar purpose – examining the appropriateness of the ASQ in a new language and culture – and yet each study adapts the measure to a different language for use with a unique population within the same country. Specifically, Abdoola et al . translated the 60 month interval of the ASQ to Hindi, and, based on their findings, described it as ‘an appropriate tool for use with the middle socioeconomic class Hindi (Indian) language and culture’.…”