Understanding Society User Support

Dear Yujung Whang,

The BHPS was translated, but only into Welsh. In some cases an interpreter was used. The following variables may be of use:

On the wINDSAMP file there is a variable wIVRREF – reasons for interview refusal – which includes the code 4 “Speaks no English”. There is also a household-level variable on wHHSAMP which is for household-level refusals, variable wIVRREFH, which has the code 4 for “Speaks no English”.

Individual - https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/bhps/documentation/volb/wave18/rindsamp.html#RIVRREF
Household - https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/bhps/documentation/volb/wave18/rhhsamp.html#RIVRREFH

We also have variables which give some indication about language issues for those who participate (xINDRESP):
wIV6D - Did the respondent have any of the following problems which may have affected the interview? English was 2nd language. (Interviewer observations)
wIV6E - Did the respondent have any of the following problems which may have affected the interview? Other language problems. (Interviewer observations)
wIV6F - Was an interpreter used? (Interviewer observations)
wIV7 - Write in person number of interpreter from household grid or 00 if not in household

e.g., Wave 18 (R)
https://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/bhps/documentation/volb/wave18/rindresp15.html#RIV6D

Best wishes,
Stephanie Auty - Understanding Society User Support Officer