Research Topics:

Questionnaire Analysis | Translation/Interpreting Services

Industry/Market Focus:

International Firms

Content Type:

Glossary

Back Translation Definition

Process in which a questionnaire is translated into another language and then translated back into the original language by a different person. The objective is to ensure that the original translation is accurate.

Back translation means converting a document or piece of content from one language into another and then transferring it back to the original language by another translator. This process ensures that the original copy is translated correctly, meaning that discrepancies, ambiguities, cultural sensitivities or errors are discovered and dealt with during the transfer. In today’s global marketplace, cross-cultural understanding is a key for success. Ensuring that content passes the test for cross-cultural understanding is the purpose of back translation.

Who relies on back translation?

Multinational companies, research firms and organizations that conduct marketing research throughout the world depend on back translation. This process is especially vital when it comes to surveys, questionnaires, marketing materials and other content that needs to be maintained and remain useful in multiple languages.

Why should I care about back translation?

Accurate and culturally appropriate data collection is crucial for collecting accurate marketing data and making informed business decisions. Back translation helps ensure that research materials are accurately translated and retain their intended meaning across languages, thus increasing the success rate of survey materials. The translation process reduces the risk of misinterpretation and helps maintain the quality and validity of research findings. With the advent of the global marketplace, back translation is a necessary instrument in the market researcher's toolbox. It maintains the integrity of content because it identifies discrepancies, ambiguities or other errors in translations. And in the end, what is produced is refined and improved marketing material.