The Linguistic Adaptation and Translation Validation of The ‘First Screen’ Tool in Ten Indian Regional Languages
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29120/jds.v12i2.818Keywords:
learning disability, screening tool, linguistic adpatation, early identification, IndiaAbstract
Background: Screening for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) in India is limited by the lack of accessible screening tools in many Indian regional languages, which hinders early identification. Aim: The present study focused on the linguistic adaptation and adequacy validation of the ‘First Screen’ screening tool, originally developed and validated in English, into ten Indian regional languages. Methods: The adaptation process included forward translation, back translation, expert review, iterative revisions, and adequacy and error analyses. Three expert raters evaluated the back-translated items for conceptual equivalence, clarity, and linguistic accuracy. Results: Inter-rater agreement for the back-translated items ranged from 81.25% to 97.22%, with six languages showing agreement above 90%. All ten languages met the adequacy threshold of 80%. Error analysis identified 66 items requiring modification due to altered meanings or insufficient conceptual correspondence. The finalized translations were found to be linguistically suitable for use within their respective language groups. Conclusion: The ten adapted versions of ‘First Screen’ demonstrated linguistic adequacy for use within their respective language groups, supporting the app’s potential for broader reach in multilingual contexts. Future studies should evaluate the usability and screening performance of the app in real-world settings and extend translation efforts to additional Indian and international languages.
Keywords: specific learning disability, screening tool, linguistic adaptation, early identification
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