Lost in Translation: Psychological Testing Considerations for Bilingual and Multilingual Individuals
When it comes to psychological and neuropsychological testing, language matters—a lot. The United States is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, and that diversity shows up in classrooms, workplaces, and homes.
As of 2021, about 10.6% of public school students—5.3 million children—were classified as English learners (ELs). The percentage varies widely across states, from less than 1% in West Virginia to more than 20% in Texas (NCES, 2021). Beyond school-age kids, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. speaks a language other than English at home.
With so many people navigating life in more than one language, it is critical that testing accounts for those differences. Otherwise, results may not truly reflect someone’s abilities.
Why Testing Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
For a long time, psychologists assumed that psychological and neuropsychological tests worked the same way for everyone. If a test was designed in English, you could give it to someone who spoke another language and expect fair results. But research shows that this is not the case.
Here are a few key problems:
Norms aren’t always inclusive. Many tests, like the WAIS-IV (a common intelligence test), were standardized only on native English speakers. That means the “average scores” used for comparison don’t include people with different language backgrounds.
Processing speed can be misunderstood. If someone slows down because they’re switching between languages, that can look like a cognitive weakness—even when it’s not.
Translation isn’t straightforward. Words carry cultural meaning. Idioms, metaphors, or humor don’t always translate well, which can change how someone responds.
Interpreters can introduce bias. If an interpreter isn’t trained in psychology, they may unintentionally alter responses or miss nuances.
The bottom line? Standard testing often doesn’t capture the whole picture for bilingual and multilingual individuals.
Smarter Approaches to Testing
Thankfully, there are ways to make testing fairer and more accurate. Think of them in three layers: the testing process itself, the clinician’s role, and how results are shared.
At the Testing Level
Mix numbers with narratives. Don’t just rely on test scores—include interviews, observations, and personal histories.
Use translated tests when available. Some tests have been properly translated and normed for other languages.
Double up on measures. If two different tests measure the same skill, comparing results can reveal whether differences are due to the test’s delivery or the client's actual abilities.
Factor in language structure. Remember that grammar, word order, and pronunciation vary across languages and can affect responses.
At the Clinician Level
Language-matched clinicians help. When possible, pair clients with clinicians who speaks the client’s strongest language.
Bias awareness matters. Clinicians should actively reflect on implicit biases and receive continual cultural awareness training, particularly when working with populations outside of their own language and culture.
Ask clarifying questions. If a response is unclear, it is better to pause and check in rather than making assumptions as to what the client really meant.
Provide native-language materials. Handouts, consent forms, and instructions are easier to follow when they’re in the language someone knows best.
Gather a language history. When did the client start learning English? Which language is spoken at home? At school? These details make interpretation more accurate.
At the Results Level
Translate reports or summaries. A translated report (or even a shorter, more concise summary) can make it easier for clients and families to understand testing results.
Offer feedback in multiple formats. Recordings of feedback sessions (with the client’s consent) can help them revisit information later at their own pace.
Be transparent. Talk openly about how language differences were considered in testing and what that means for results.
Why This Matters
Psychological and neuropsychological testing is meant to highlight an individual's strengths, challenges, and needs. But when language and culture aren’t taken into account, results can be misleading. A bilingual child might be labeled as having a learning disability when the real issue is limited English exposure. Similarly, an adult might be told they have a slower processing speed when in fact they’re simply toggling between languages.
That’s why it’s so important to approach testing with cultural and linguistic awareness. It’s not about lowering standards—it’s about ensuring that results truly reflect a person’s abilities.
What You Can Do as a Parent or Client
If you or your child are considering testing, here are some steps you can take:
Ask about cultural and language considerations. A good clinician/practice/testing facility should be able to explain how they’ll handle this.
Share your language history. Be upfront about when English was learned, what languages are spoken at home, what languages are spoken and work/school, and which language(s) feel(s) strongest.
Request materials in your preferred language. From instructions to consent documents to questionnaires to reported results, this can make the process clearer and more transparent for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. is growing more linguistically diverse every year, and testing practices need to evolve alongside it. The good news is that more clinicians are recognizing these challenges and adapting their methods.
If you’re seeking psychological or neuropsychological testing, the key is to find the right fit—someone who understands not just the tests, but also your cultural and linguistic background. When that happens, results are far more likely to reflect who you truly are, not just the language you were tested in. At Manas Cor Psychological Services, we are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized assessments that take these factors into account, helping ensure your results truly reflect who you are.
Get the Answers You’ve Been Looking For
At Manas Cor Psychological Services, we know that language and culture play an important role in psychological testing. If you or your child is bilingual or multilingual, you deserve an evaluation that reflects your true abilities, not one clouded by language barriers. Our team provides comprehensive psychological testing in Washington, DC, with careful attention to cultural and linguistic factors so that results are clear, accurate, and meaningful.
If you’re ready to explore testing, here’s how to get started:
Contact us here with your questions or to schedule an initial consultation.
Learn more about our psychological testing services and how we adapt assessments for bilingual and multilingual clients.
Browse our resources and blog posts for additional insights into testing, therapy, and mental health support.
Other Services We Offer in Washington, DC
Along with psychological testing and assessment, we provide individual therapy and group therapy for adolescents and adults. Whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, life transitions, or relationship challenges, therapy can be a space to reflect, heal, and grow. Group therapy also offers the opportunity to connect with others and build community support.
