Functions of small talk in healthcare interpreting

An exploratory study in medical encounters facilitated by healthcare interpreters

Bibliographic Data

ID12701923
AuthorsCristina Álvaro Aranda (0000-0001-7891-1718, FITISPos-UAH Research Group, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain, corresponding author), Raquel Lázaro Gutiérrez (0000-0002-8704-3403, FITISPos-UAH Research Group, University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain)
Year2022
Volume22
Issue1
Pages21-34
Publication date2022-01-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLanguage and Intercultural Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-8477 • E-ISSN: 1747-759X
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14708477.2021.2024842
OpenAlexW4213110929
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited23

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

Construct (python library · Exploratory research · Health care · Interpersonal communication · Interpreter · Limited English proficiency · Medical education · Political science · Set (abstract data type · Sociology · Computer Science · Emergency and Acute Care Studies · Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology

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