Adapting MAIN to European Portuguese

Abstract

This paper presents the adaptation and translation of the Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives (MAIN) to European Portuguese, addressing the need for linguistically and culturally relevant assessment tools in Portuguese-speaking contexts. Following an overview of European Portuguese and its unique linguistic features, we examine key distinctions from Brazilian Portuguese, to which MAIN had previously been adapted. We outline the adaptation process, which involved translation and expert review to ensure the instrument reads naturally for European Portuguese speakers and resonates with familiar linguistic patterns. This adaptation is essential for accurately assessing language abilities in multilingual and heritage language settings, where linguistic diversity can impact children’s comprehension and engagement. Finally, we discuss the implications of providing separate European and Brazilian Portuguese versions of MAIN, emphasizing the importance of tailored language assessments that respect the distinct identities and linguistic experiences of Portuguese-speaking children.