Start with the communicative situation

“Fieldwork in English” does not mean that every interaction must take place in English. The research language, the interview language, the transcription language and the publication language may be different. Record these choices because each one influences what can be said, understood and quoted.

Prepare a language map

Before data collection, list the languages likely to be used, who can interpret, which terms have no simple equivalent and which topics may require a trusted intermediary. Add a decision rule: who chooses the language of the interview? A participant should not be pressured to use English merely because the final report will be written in English.

Explain consent in accessible language

Consent is a process, not a decorative signature. Explain the purpose, procedure, possible risks, voluntary nature, recording method, storage plan, intended audience and withdrawal route. Ask the participant to explain the key points back in their own words. This checks understanding without turning consent into an examination.

Useful English for the opening

  • I would like to explain the purpose of this interview before we begin.
  • You may choose the language in which you feel most comfortable.
  • You may skip any question or stop the interview at any time.
  • With your permission, I would like to record the conversation.
  • The recording will be stored securely and used only for the stated project.

Work transparently with an interpreter

Decide whether the interpreter will translate turn by turn, summarise, or produce a later written translation. These methods are not interchangeable. Brief the interpreter on confidentiality and neutral clarification. During the interview, address the participant directly rather than speaking about them in the third person.

Keep a translation trail

For every excerpt used in English, preserve the original wording, a literal working version, the final readable translation, the translator or reviewer, and a note about difficult choices. If a cultural term is retained, explain why. If a term has several plausible meanings, report the uncertainty rather than hiding it.

Separate observation from interpretation

Field notes should distinguish what was seen or heard from the researcher’s inference. Compare: The participant paused for nine seconds before answering is an observation; The participant was afraid is an interpretation that needs supporting evidence.

Avoid the single-story conclusion

A local interview cannot automatically represent a city, country, generation or continent. Describe the sampling route and limits. Prefer In these interviews… to Africans believe…. A precise small claim is academically stronger than an impressive but unsupported generalisation.

Post-fieldwork checklist

  • Have consent choices been recorded and respected?
  • Are names and indirect identifiers protected where necessary?
  • Can each translated quotation be traced to its original?
  • Have contradictions and negative cases been retained?
  • Does the report distinguish evidence, interpretation and limitation?