Before starting let us consider the definition of linguistic validation. Linguistic validation is a composition of processes of checking the translation for accuracy, compatibility, design, fluency, internationalization, style, terminology, verity, locale convention, and validation by a professional in this field. Linguistic validation is widely used in medical translation, especially in clinical trials.
Where Can You Find Linguistic Validation?
Linguistic Validation is frequently conducted for such documents as Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaires, Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), Clinician Reported Outcomes (ClinROs) and Observer Reported Outcomes (ObsROs).
Linguistic Validation Processes
- Forward Translation
During this process, 2 independent linguists translate source materials into target documents. Linguists should obtain a degree in Translation studies and a degree in a professional field of expertise. Therefore, they should be clinicians, doctors, or other healthcare workers.
- Reconciliation
Reconciliation means comparing two forwarded translations by a third person. The third person must be native in the target language and fluent in source one. This person marks all notes and difficulties found in translations and chooses the best to fit in ‘target language standards’.
- Back Translation
Another 2 independent translators translate forward translation materials into the source language without using any helping materials or reference files. Translators should be native in the source language and fluent in the target one.
- Cognitive Debriefing
The next step in linguistic validation is to give samples of translated documents to a group of respondents who in their turn determine whether the translation is appropriate, easy to understand.
- Final Corrections And The Reviewed Translation
The fifth step contains a review by a professional in the field of cognitive debriefing results. The finals steps are to proofread the finalized translation for linguistic and formatting issues.
Why Linguistic Validation Is Important In Medical Translation?
Linguistic validation is an important step in medical translation for the following reasons:
- It decreases the misunderstanding gap between clinicians and patients. Documents exposed to linguistic validation are written in simple and non-professional words.
- It helps prevent improper data collection which could lead to invalidated clinic trials results.
Who Can Perform Linguistic Validation?
Lingrowth LLC has been doing linguistic validations for 4 years. Our professional clinicians and doctors who obtained a degree in medicine as well as in Translation studies will do their best to perform linguistic validation qualitatively and in time!
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