Analytic Methods’ Considerations for the Translation of Sensitive Qualitative Data From Mandarin Into English

Abstract

Background: In non-English or cross-cultural qualitative research, scholars have long debated the impact of involving translators on the transfer of meanings during the process of translation between languages. The management of sensitive data can even further complicate the research process when translators outside the research team are involved in the translation. Purpose: To discuss a translation method, which is drawn from a qualitative study, for managing sensitive qualitative data and enhancing research transparency. Method: Translation approach in qualitative research. Findings: The use of this translation method was revealed in this study to (1) enhance the researcher’s prolonged engagement with the data and intimate understanding of the meanings underlying participants’ experience, (2) to increase the transparency of qualitative data interpretation and analysis, (3) to facilitate sensitizing cultural nuances and finding meaning and concept equivalence during the process of data translation and analysis, and (4) to handle data more sensitively. Implications: This article has implications for the understanding of how researchers can work as an analyst and translator to develop research findings without the loss of meaning, to enhance transparency during the translation process, and to manage data more sensitively.