International Test Comparisons: Reviewing Translation Error in Different Source Language-Target Language Combinations

This article addresses test translation review in international test comparisons. We investigated the applicability of the theory of test translation error—a theory of the multidimensionality and inevitability of test translation error—across source language-target language combinations in the translation of PISA (Programme of International Student Assessment) items. We documented changes made when we created a typology of English-to-Chinese test translation error by adapting a typology originally created to review English-to-Spanish test translations. Of the 62 types of errors in the original typology, we kept 47 unchanged, modified one, and eliminated 14. In addition, we created 11 new error types that were specific to reviewing English-to-Chinese test translation. We conclude that, while the theory of test translation hold across source language-target combinations, appropriate actions need to be taken to ensure that the typology of test translation errors used is sensitive to the characteristics of each specific source language-target language combination.

Duke Scholars

Author Xueyu Zhao DKU Faculty