We provide translations in Hmong and Spanish by using a trans-adaptation approach.
Based on our experience working with local multi-ethnic communities, Healthy House utilizes a trans-adaptation approach. A trans-adaptation process ensures the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of information to meet the needs of the target audiences in Spanish, Hmong and Punjabi.
Trans-adaptation involves a process of modifying English text to meet the literacy level and communication characteristics of the intended target audiences. In Hmong, we often use third person because an indirect style of communication is more effective than the use of first person. Often the original text must be simplified, some information summarized or re-written to better convey intended meaning. Often, new text must be added to provide greater context and incorporate relevant examples of community life experiences, cultural beliefs and practices, and different healing traditions.
Trans-adaptation addresses the following questions:
Purpose: What is the intent and purpose of the English text?
Mode: What written language(s) will be the medium of the message?
Why use written text rather than video, audio tape, etc.?
What format: brochure, booklet, manual, Web page?
Target: Who is the intended receiver of the message?
(Age, education, literacy, health status, cultural beliefs and assumptions)
What content needs to be trans-adapted to accommodate the special communicative purposes and characteristics of target audience?
What reading level, content, genre, and style appropriate?
How must it be adapted and in what ways to meet the needs of the intended audience?
Means: How will the message be distributed?
We work with the person requesting the translation to successfully carry out our process.
Trans-adaptation process: - Read original text for meaning
- Identify areas for trans-adaptation
- Trans-adapt
- Review trans-adaptation for accuracy of context, meaning, message, grammar
- Proof-read
- Review by community members
- Incorporation of feedback and final editing changes
- Final review
Our rates for translations vary depending on the language, the type and length of text, and the complexity of the vocabulary. We have experienced and inquisitive native Spanish and Hmong speaking translators with formal education in their target language.
Completion and delivery of the translation depends on the type and length of document. Fax or e-mail your document to receive a quote.
Please call: (209) 724-0102 for more information about our translation process.
Office Fax: (209) 724-0153
For Spanish translations email:
Elva Peña at elva@healthyhousemerced.org
For Hmong translations email:
Palee Moua at palee@healthyhousemerced.org