Coping with the Barbarian Syndrome

This chapter illustrates that translating and transcribing are integral to the research process and could trigger vicarious trauma among researchers undertaking sensitive research. The chapter is organized into three sections: the first section provides insights into the key debates on interlinkages between the essence of feminism and feminist research, including subsections on translating and transcribing and also on the occurrence of vicarious trauma. The second section provides the main insights into the methodology of the study. The final section concludes with learning experiences for the researcher and its implications for the wider research practice. Existing institutional frameworks and ethical principles do not adequately address the vulnerability of researchers, both institutionally and also individually. The absence of safety protocols to safeguard the emotional well-being of researchers requires serious reconsideration by academic institutions. The challenges faced during fieldwork should be viewed as opportunities for growth that promote greater individual development and the potential for social change.