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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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Language and intercultural communication 2022-01, Vol.22 (1), p.21-34
Main Authors: Álvaro Aranda, Cristina, Lázaro Gutiérrez, Raquel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
comunicación intercultural
conversaciones triviales
healthcare interpreting
healthcare settings
intercultural communication
Interpersonal relations
interpretación sanitaria
Interpreters
intérpretes formados
Medical personnel
Monolingualism
Patients
Practitioner patient relationship
Small talk
trained interpreters
ámbito sanitario
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1470-8477
1747-759X
DOI:10.1080/14708477.2021.2024842