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Quantifying risk: verbal probability expressions in Spanish and English
Lawrence D Cohn1, Miguel E Cortés Vázquez, Adolfo Alvarez
1Department of Psychology, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA. Lcohn@utep.edu
American Journal of Health Behavior
|December 10, 2008
Summary
Spanish and English speakers interpret probability terms differently, even cognates. This study evaluated Spanish likelihood terms for risk communication with Spanish speakers.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Risk Communication
Background:
- Verbal probability expressions are common in risk communication.
- Understanding cultural and linguistic nuances in interpreting these expressions is crucial for effective communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how Spanish- and English-speaking adults interpret verbal probability expressions.
- To compare interpretations of Spanish and English probability terms, including potential cognates.
Main Methods:
- Participants included professional translators and university students from Mexico and the United States.
- Participants rated the certainty implied by likelihood statements presented in Spanish or English.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in likelihood ratings were observed for terms considered cognates in Spanish and English.
- Specific language equivalencies in probability expression interpretation were identified.
Conclusions:
- This research offers the first evaluation of Spanish likelihood terms for risk communication.
- Findings are vital for improving risk communication targeted at monolingual and bilingual Spanish speakers.
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