The use of translated materials in assessing aphasia patients in Qatar: Problems and solutions

Authors

  • Tariq Khwaileh Department of English Literature and Linguistics Qatar University
  • Michael Grosvald Department of English Literature and Linguistics Qatar University

Keywords:

Arabic, aphasia, assessment, psycholinguistics, language, clinical

Abstract

In Qatar, as well as in other parts of the Arabic-speaking world, assessment of patients who have suffered CVAs or other injuries leading to language deficits typically includes the use of surveys and questionnaires that have been translated into Arabic, generally from English. Such materials are used to assess the impact of the CVA on language, communication, quality of life, and social activities. The use of translated materials is commonplace because assessment materials specifically developed for the Arabic language and culture are unavailable. The shortcomings of translated materials have not been widely recognized. Unfortunately, the simple truth is that many of these translated materials are unsuited for use in the local context, and this can have a significant impact on the lives of patients post-CVA. In this paper, we discuss this issue in some detail and propose a multiphase solution to mitigate the problems of using translated materials.

 

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Published

05/28/2019

How to Cite

Khwaileh, T., & Grosvald, M. (2019). The use of translated materials in assessing aphasia patients in Qatar: Problems and solutions. Arab Journal of Applied Linguistics, 4(1), 38–49. Retrieved from https://arjals.com/ajal/article/view/176

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