International research and working with interpreters

We recently conducted user research in Paris and Berlin, where we used interpreters to translate questions and answers between respondents and ourselves. Here’re my reflections on my experience of working with translators.

Be concise with your questioning
Using a translator forces you to be concise with your questioning. You can’t afford the time, or confusion, that could result from a rambling introduction or query.

Start translating as soon as possible
We used two interpreters each with quite differing styles. In Paris, our interpreter chose to translate after every sentence or two, while in Berlin, they waited until the respondent had finished before explaining what they had said.

The more they wait before translating, the less chance you have to interrupt and the greater chance you’ll have of having to sit through a person talk about something that’s not of interest. When you speak the respondent’s language, you know if they’re drifting off topic and can quickly focus them back on what matters, but with an interpreter this isn’t as easy.

Prep your interpreter
As with interview moderators like ourselves, interpreters take time to adjust to the discussion. By our second day of testing in each country, the interpreters started asking questions before we did. Once you get to this point, conducting an interview takes little more time than one in your native language.
 

FURTHER READING
International research – we’ve worked in over 20 markets including Brazil, US, Canada, Mexico, China, Australia & many EU countries.
Depth interviews – the workhorse of modern design.
Shell case study- The site was to be a gateway to the many divisional and country specific sites that exist within the 120 countries that Shell operate in.

If you would like to discuss an international research opportunity, contact us.

18/08/11 Mara Protano said:

Thanks for your insights, very good points. I'd also say that it's useful to catch up with the interpreter at the end of each user research session. This allows the researcher to overcome the interpretation issues that may arise with translation and international research.

18/08/11 Alison Morton said:

If your interpreter hasn't worked with your company before, it's very productive to provide your interpreter with some notes about the project and background company documentation. A week before is very helpful, if possible. In this way, the interpreter can research any specialist terminology, house style, neologisms beforehand.