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An interdisciplinary approach to neuropsychological test construction: Perspectives from translation studies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2010

H. ALLISON BENDER ,
ADOLFO MARTÍN GARCÍA  and
WILLIAM B. BARR
H. ALLISON BENDER*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York
ADOLFO MARTÍN GARCÍA
Affiliation:
Modern Languages Department, Mar del Plata’s National University, Mar del Plata, Argentina
WILLIAM B. BARR
Affiliation:
Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York
*
*Correspondence and reprint requests to: H. Allison Bender, New York University Medical Center, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Neuropsychology Service, New York, New York. E-mail: heidi.bender@nyumc.org
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Abstract

Few neuropsychological tests have been developed specifically for non-English speakers. Rather, assessment measures are often derived from English source texts (STs) and translated into foreign language target texts (TTs). An abundant literature describes the potential for translation error occurring in test construction. While the neuropsychology community has striven to correct these inadequacies, interdisciplinary approaches to test translation have been largely ignored. Translation studies, which has roots in linguistics, semiotics, computer science, anthropology, and philosophy, may provide a much-needed framework for test development. We aim to apply specific aspects of Descriptive Translation Studies to present unique and heretofore unapplied frameworks to the socio-cultural conceptualizations of translated tests. In doing so, a more theoretical basis for test construction will be explored. To this end, translation theory can provide valuable insights toward the development of linguistically and culturally relevant neuropsychological test measures suitable for an increasingly diverse patient base. (JINS, 2010, 16, 227–232.)

Keywords

MulticulturalismImmigrantsLinguisticsNeuropsychologySemanticsPragmatics
Type
Critical Review
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , March 2010 , pp. 227 - 232
Copyright
Copyright © The International Neuropsychological Society 2010

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