Volume 46, Issue 4 p. 848-858
Original Paper

Ethical considerations for research conducted with human participants in languages other than English

Sarah Elaine Eaton

Corresponding Author

Sarah Elaine Eaton

University of Calgary, Canada

Corresponding author: Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada. Email: [email protected]

Search for more papers by this author
First published: 06 April 2020
Citations: 1

Abstract

Considerations for conducting ethical research with human participants in languages other than English are addressed to some extent in regulatory and guiding statements for researchers, but in ways that are minimal or vague. In this article, I examine guiding documents for research ethics from four countries: the UK, Canada, Australia and the USA, with a view to analysing how the issue of research in other languages is addressed. Specific attention is paid to four key aspects of research as it relates to language. The first is informed consent. This includes a discussion of how written forms may not be the most appropriate method to ensure consent is informed. The second aspect of language is that of translation and interpretation, including budgetary implications for research. Third, the use of intermediaries such as (but not limited to) translators and local contacts is considered. Finally, considerations for knowledge mobilisation and dissemination of findings are explored. The article concludes with recommendations for researchers, graduate supervisors and research ethics boards.