7. Gaze, positioning and identity in interpreter-mediated dialogues
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Ian Mason
Abstract
Although very little has been published specifically on the study of gaze in interpreter-mediated dialogues, there has been some evidence that gaze direction is an important device for showing attention and for the distribution of turns. In this chapter, analysis of gaze shifts based on video recordings of immigration interviews reinforces previous findings in the field. It also shows that gaze not only has a function in signalling attention and co-ordinating turns to talk, it also regulates patterns of participation. In particular by their patterns of gaze and other non-verbal signals, all participants position themselves and others within the exchange. In this way, the interplay of patterns of gaze is closely bound up with role and status – and, therefore, with issues of identity and power.
Abstract
Although very little has been published specifically on the study of gaze in interpreter-mediated dialogues, there has been some evidence that gaze direction is an important device for showing attention and for the distribution of turns. In this chapter, analysis of gaze shifts based on video recordings of immigration interviews reinforces previous findings in the field. It also shows that gaze not only has a function in signalling attention and co-ordinating turns to talk, it also regulates patterns of participation. In particular by their patterns of gaze and other non-verbal signals, all participants position themselves and others within the exchange. In this way, the interplay of patterns of gaze is closely bound up with role and status – and, therefore, with issues of identity and power.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments ix
- Foreword xi
- Introduction: Understanding coordination in interpreter-mediated interaction 1
- 1. Interpreting or interfering? 23
- 2. Interpreting participation 45
- 3. “You are not too funny” 71
- 4. Ad hoc interpreting for partially language-proficient patients 99
- 5. Code-switching and coordination in interpreter-mediated interaction 115
- 6. Ad hoc -interpreting in multilingual work meetings 149
- 7. Gaze, positioning and identity in interpreter-mediated dialogues 177
- 8. Minimal responses in interpreter-mediated medical talk 201
- 9. Mediating assessments in healthcare settings 229
- 10. Challenges in interpreters’ coordination of the construction of pain 251
- 11. Cultural brokerage and overcoming communication barriers 269
- 12. Interpreting as dialogic mediation 297
- Authors’ bio sketches 327
- Index 331
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgments ix
- Foreword xi
- Introduction: Understanding coordination in interpreter-mediated interaction 1
- 1. Interpreting or interfering? 23
- 2. Interpreting participation 45
- 3. “You are not too funny” 71
- 4. Ad hoc interpreting for partially language-proficient patients 99
- 5. Code-switching and coordination in interpreter-mediated interaction 115
- 6. Ad hoc -interpreting in multilingual work meetings 149
- 7. Gaze, positioning and identity in interpreter-mediated dialogues 177
- 8. Minimal responses in interpreter-mediated medical talk 201
- 9. Mediating assessments in healthcare settings 229
- 10. Challenges in interpreters’ coordination of the construction of pain 251
- 11. Cultural brokerage and overcoming communication barriers 269
- 12. Interpreting as dialogic mediation 297
- Authors’ bio sketches 327
- Index 331
