Functions of small talk in healthcare interpreting: an exploratory study in medical encounters facilitated by healthcare interpreters

This exploratory study analyses the functions of small talk in interpreter mediated healthcare encounters. Drawing on a dataset of hospital visits with participation of five trained interpreters, analysis of particular excerpts reveals that small talk helps both patients and providers to fulfil func...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Álvaro Aranda, Cristina|||0000-0001-7891-1718, Lázaro Gutiérrez, Raquel|||0000-0002-8704-3403
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Alcalá (UAH)
Repositorio:e_Buah Biblioteca Digital Universidad de Alcalá
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:ebuah.uah.es:10017/63940
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10017/63940
https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14708477.2021.2024842
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Small talk
Healthcare interpreting
Trained interpreters
Intercultural communication
Healthcare settings
Conversaciones triviales
Interpretación sanitaria
Intérpretes formados
Comunicación intercultural
Ámbito sanitario
Filología
Philology
Descripción
Sumario:This exploratory study analyses the functions of small talk in interpreter mediated healthcare encounters. Drawing on a dataset of hospital visits with participation of five trained interpreters, analysis of particular excerpts reveals that small talk helps both patients and providers to fulfil functions similar to those reported in monolingual visits, thus (a) supporting interpersonal relationship building (e.g. establishing trust) and (b) goal achievement (e.g. minimising pain). Successful attainment of small talk functions relies heavily on healthcare interpreters, who are observed to co-construct and participate in small talk pursuing their own set of objectives, such as reassuring patients and facilitating the providers’ clinical work.