Create Introduction Text

Recorded Text Testing
Background Research
Intelligibility Interviews
Choose Kind of Test
Choose Test Points
Materials
Obtain a Text
Develop Questions
Create Introduction Text
Assemble Pilot Test
Administer Pilot Test
Select Final Questions
Build Reference Tests
Develop Post-RTT Questions
Administer Text Test Set
Process Scores

The introduction text is the first part of the recorded text test. It provides the test subject with basic information about the purpose of the test and explains how to respond to the text and questions contained in the test. It may also encourage the subject and assuage his or her concerns about the test. A well written introduction has the potential to reduce errors associated with exposure to new technology and procedures. It is always translated and recorded into the test point language.

Procedure

1. The following steps will guide you through the process of translating and recording an introduction text using a MiniDisc (MD) recorder.
2. Translate your introduction text into the LWC that you use on survey. Remember who your audience is and use wording that accounts for and respects the differences between your culture and the one you're working in.
3. Find two mother tongue speakers of the test point language who also speak the LWC and can serve as translator and back translator. (The back translator does not need to be present until Step 11.)
4. Explain to the first that after you read each sentence you would like him or her to translate and repeat it to you in the test point language.
5. Practice the first few sentences this way, until he or she is comfortable with the process.
6. If the translator appears to be struggling with these sentences, dismiss him or her with tact and thanks, then look for another translator.
7. Set up the MD equipment for recording
8. Negotiate a cue to help the translator to know when to repeat the sentence a second time in the test language (e.g. when you move the microphone closer, or when you gently move your hand, etc.). Practice this sequence of speech and cues to be sure that you are both ready.
9. Record the introduction text. Read the first sentence and have the translator repeat the sentence back to you in the test point language. After he repeats it, begin recording and give the translator the cue to repeat it again in the test point language.
10. Pause the machine. Do not mark the track. The entire introduction text should be recorded onto a single track.
11. Repeat Steps 8 and 9 with the other sentences in the introduction text.
12. Play the full introduction text for the back translator, pausing after each sentence to elicit his or her interpretation of the text.
13. If there are errors in the translation that change the meaning of the text you wrote, make corrections and check the translation again.
14. When you have an acceptable translation and recording, label the MD with the track number, title, and language of the introduction text. (Example: "Track 43: Sirba village intro text")
15. Thank the translators for their help.