[NIFL-HEALTH:3896] RE: English and Spanish in one document?

From: Linda S. Potter (lspotter@att.net)
Date: Wed Feb 05 2003 - 15:03:55 EST


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From: "Linda S. Potter" <lspotter@att.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-health@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3896] RE: English and Spanish in one document?
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Yet another option, which must have a formal name, is the upside down and
backwards version used quite successfully in some two-language brochures.
The booklet opens on one side with a cover and text in one language for the
first half of the pages, or can be flipped over to find the cover the other
half of the pages in the other language. This has been used quite
successfully with booklets for children too, who get confused by seeing two
languages at the same time and aren't sure where "their" next page is.

In your case, though, there are still special advantages to the opposite
sides of the page version, in that Spanish-speakers in the US might
appreciate being able to glance back and forth between the two languages,
especially since they are dealing with an English-speaking health care
system. (Either could be used in ESL and bilingual classes too.)

In either case, the multi-cultural pictures suggested by Jann Keenan might
be most appropriate for a US-based Spanish/English brochure.

Focus groups would be especially helpful for this kind of decision.

Best wishes whatever version works best...

********************************
Linda S. Potter, DrPH
Family Health Research
56 N. Mill Road
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550
tel:  609-716-6365
fax:  609-716-4972
email:  lspotter@att.net
********************************

-----Original Message-----
From: nifl-health@nifl.gov [mailto:nifl-health@nifl.gov]On Behalf Of
Felicia Morton
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2003 11:17 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3890] English and Spanish in one document?


Hello all,

Does anyone know of data (published or anecdotal) that discusses
readers' preferences for bilingual print materials? Specifically, is
it best to have...

1- completely separate documents, one in English one in Spanish,
2- both languages in one document: English on one side, Spanish on the
other, OR
3- both languages in one document, integrated: Spanish translation
immediately following each sentence or paragraph, e.g.:

A Guide for Patients and Families
Guia para los pacientes y su familia

You must wear gloves and a ...
Usted debe usar guantes y ...

What are your experiences/opinions? Would the recommendations differ
based on whether the print material is an educational brochure versus,
let's say, a legal document or medical record form (like a consent
form)?

Additional info that may affect your opinions:
1 - the target audience is predominately English-speaking
2 - the majority of providers distributing the materials speak only
English
3 - a cost-saving choice would be great, but ultimately we want what's
best for the reader

Thanks for your expertise!


Felicia J. Morton, MSPH, CHES
Patient Education Specialist
Patient Care, Quality Management & Education

Grady Health System
80 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, SE Box 26062
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 616-5153
(404) 616-0685 - fax



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