Translating Narratives: Ethical and Methodological Challenges in Qualitative Social Research

Abstract

In view of the increasing renationalization of lifeworld conditions and the emergence of multilingual spaces, the examination of translation perspectives is of essential importance for qualitative social research. The translation of qualitative data no longer seems to be relevant only for migration research. Against this background, it is central to stimulate a critical-reflexive discussion about appropriate methods and translation practices in dealing with narratives. The aim of this article is to shed light on fundamental ethical, methodological and epistemological issues in relation to the translation of empirical data in the context of qualitative research and to outline practice-oriented approaches. First, I will take up critical discourses in translation studies and explore their relevance for qualitative social research. Second, the framework conditions of qualitative social research are discussed using the example of a biographically oriented study in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. I will explore the considerations on the implementation of the translation design developed for the study. The collection and translation of the narrative interviews was carried out by me and is therefore part of the research process. The explanations relate primarily to the translation of the narrative data and the combination of research and translation activities in the context of multilingual language areas and power relations.