The success of interpreted interaction depends significantly on the turn-by-turn linguistic choices made by interpreters, as they mediate between participants who do not share a common language. Interpreters frequently work in high consequence environments, such as healthcare, where interpreter accuracy is vital, given that real health outcomes are on the line.
In this paper we explore one of the conditions that can foster interpreters’ ability to process meaning and facilitate clear understanding; their familiarity with the primary participants. In this context, familiarity can be related to the concept of latent networks (Watts 2003), although within interpreting studies it is more commonly discussed as interpreter continuity. Continuity is frequently overlooked as a contributing factor to interpreters’ comprehension, although Dickinson (2014) describes how it affords interpreters a 'fine grained understanding' of the situation.
Our presentation draws on findings from two independent but complementary studies. The first study, based on interview data, explores British Sign Language /English interpreters’ understanding of the contextual influences on their choice of interpreting strategies, with a focus on their identification of im/politeness strategies. The second study is an interactional sociolinguistic analysis of naturally-occurring general practice consultations interpreted between Australian Sign Language and English.
Familiarity emerged as a strong theme in both studies. Evidence suggests knowledge afforded by shared latent networks informs interpreters’ understanding of the source message, and likely reduces interpreters’ cognitive load. In this presentation we illustrate these findings with a detailed examination of an interpreter’s decision-making in a sequence of potentially difficult talk in the Australian data (an extended clarification sequence), as well as insights from discussions with interpreters in both studies.
The significance of existing relationships and participant familiarity has important implications for shared understanding and patient participation and compliance. These findings therefore have implications for the commissioning and delivery of interpreting services, and reinforce the value of considering interpreting provision as an integral element of healthcare services.
References
Dickinson, J. 2014. Sign language interpreting in the workplace, Exeter: Douglas McLean Publishing.
Watts, R. 2003. Politeness, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
