Language Translation
Sometimes a research project requires that the participants work with documents, such as consent forms and surveys, in a language other than English. In the Bakersfield area, such research documents are almost always in Spanish. It is not good enough to simply provide a translation that is adequate for the participant to "get the gist" of what is meant to be communicated.
Specifically, the IRB requires that any translated document be written in language appropriate for that type of document and free from obvious errors. That is, the IRB does not have lower expectations of the writing quality of documents in Spanish as compared to those in English.
For translation into languages other than Spanish, please check with the IRB [ssuter@csub.edu].
Before you begin work, please consult:
[a] Rationale for this policy
[b] Steps in Language Translation for IRB Authorization
[c] Several pages of Language Translation Assistance
[d] Contacts for Professional Language Translators