# Translator's Guide for First Response Labs Translations

## Types of translations

Several types of translations exist in this project.

1. Questions
2. Answers
3. Word definitions
4. Commands
5. Care Instructions

The following general guidelines must be considered for all types of translation:

## Inflection for gender

Where applicable, all text should be translated so that both male and female patients can identify with the text.
If a case exists where the text varies for males and females, both versions should be provided, and appropriately annotated.

## Inflection of the second person pronoun (you)

The second person pronoun that is the most informal, while maintaining a culturally appropriate level of respect, should be used.
Pronoun inflection should be consistent across translations. (You should not switch between a formal and informal "you".)

Except in cases where serious social offense would result,
the same second person pronoun should be used for phrases directed by the doctor to the patient, and by the patient to the doctor.
Except when culturally necessary, pronouns should not be used which would imply a position of superiority of the doctor over the patient.

## Lexicon

The language used in translations should be representative of professional, respectful communication between a doctor and a patient.
Avoid vulgarities and slang.

For the translation of questions, appropriate medical terms should be used where applicable.

For the translation of vocabulary word definitions, commonly understandable words should be used to describe the medical terminology.
The audience of these interpretations will likely not be medically educated, and may have a very limited education generally.
When choosing words to explain medical concepts, keep the audience of your translations in mind.

## Sentence Structure

The translations you provide should be standalone sentences, and should not contain answers within them (except where linguistically necessary).

The sentences should be phrased as a question.
That is, they should be phrased in such a manner that the reader would understand that they are being prompted for a response.

Each translation should contain exactly one question. Do not phrase translations in such a way that two separate responses must be provided to answer the question.
In the event that the English source text does not permit this in your language, this should be noted as a comment on your translation document.

## Addressing ambiguity

You should strive to resolve any ambiguity that may exist in a translation from the English source text to your native language.
If an ambiguity persists that cannot be apparently resolved, you should note this ambiguity in the source text.

## Additional comments

Any questions or concerns not covered in this guide should be directed at Spencer Stolworthy (by the means of communication which he has provided to you).

## Specific guidelines for translating Answers

### Notes about yes/no questions for languages using echo responses (Chinese, Japanese, etc.)

The majority of the questions being translated for First Response Labs are answered in English with "Yes" or "No".
In languages that use an echo response system (such as Chinese or Japanese),
every effort should be made to phrase the questions so that they can be answered with a common word for "yes" and a common word for "no".
If translating a question to meet these requirements causes phrasing that would impede the reader's understanding,
the question should be annotated for further review, and appropriate answers should be provided and annotated.

### Specific guidelines for translating Commands

Commands that a doctor would say to a patient should be written in a respecful way.
The commands should use the same inflection for pronouns and verbs that are used in questions (formal vs. informal, etc.).
Commands should be written so that a patient understands that the command is directed at him or her.

### Specific guidelines for translating Care Instructions

Care instructions should be translated so that the patient understands that the doctor is giving them an instruction.
Therefore, Care Instructions should not be written to imply a suggestion from the doctor.