Abstract
Objective: To translate, validate and culturally adapt Phonological Awareness Skills Test (PAST) in Urdu.
Methodology: A methodological model of translation and cross-cultural adaptation of PAST-to-PAST Urdu was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamabad from August 2021 to January 2022, using convenient sampling. PAST was translated and culturally adapted by an expert committee following multiple steps that included forward & backward translation, review by the experts, removal of discrepancies, and finalization of the translated version. To determine the reliability and validity, a pilot study was conducted on 100 bilingual participants of both genders aged 4-8 years old (80 typical and 20 atypical). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 20. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess tool reliability and Test-retest reliability was calculated. Concurrent validity was measured between the English and Urdu version of PAST through the Pearson correlation coefficient.
Results: The PAST-U with Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.96 was a reliable tool. While the test-retest reliability of 9 out of 16 domains was significantly high (p<0.001), concurrent validity of all, except one domain was in an acceptable range. Concurrent validity correlation of all the domains was acceptable (.24-.61). except rhyme completion, which was negative (-.60)
Conclusion: PAST-U is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of phonological awareness skills of 4 to 8 years old children and culturally adapted for use on Urdu speaking population.

Key words: PAST, Phonological awareness, Tool, Translation, Urdu.