Back-Translation Task

A Back-Translation Task is a translation task that involves translating the translated item back into the source language.

• Context:
  • …
• Example(s):
  • a Natural Language Back-Translation Task.
  • a Computer Program Back-Translation Task.
  • …
• Counter-Example(s):
  • a Paraphrasing Task.
• See: Forward Translation, Preposition Stranding, Machine Translation.

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References

2020

• (Wikipedia, 2020) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/translation#Back-translation Retrieved:2020-10-30.
  • A "back-translation" is a translation of a translated text back into the language of the original text, made without reference to the original text. Comparison of a back-translation with the original text is sometimes used as a check on the accuracy of the original translation, much as the accuracy of a mathematical operation is sometimes checked by reversing the operation. But the results of such reverse-translation operations, while useful as approximate checks, are not always precisely reliable. …

2004

• (Davison, 2004) ⇒ Colleen M. Davison. (2004). “Translation of Fixed-response Questionnaires for Health Research with Aboriginal People: A Discussion of Methods.” Pimatisiwin 2
  • QUOTE: ...
    • Forward translation: translating the original document into the target language.
    • Back translation: translating the translated version back into the source language
  • … Back translation (Brislin et al. 1973, Tamanin et al. 2002) appears to be the most commonly used method of translation and has been seen throughout the social and anthropological literature. Tamanin and colleagues describe the approach in four steps (Figure 1):
    • Step 1: The source language document is translated into the target language document.
    • Step 2: A second translator back translates the target language document into the source language.
    • Step 3: Reconciliation sessions (with translators and the research team) to look at the original language document and the source language document #2 to reconcile discrepancies.
    • Step 4: Pre-testing of translation with target population. Project team (in collaboration with translators 1 and 2) makes adjustments to final version.

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