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Part of
A Pragmatic Agenda for Healthcare: Fostering inclusion and active participation through shared understanding
Edited by Sarah Bigi and Maria Grazia Rossi
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 338] 2023
► pp. 124–143

Chapter 5
On managing dyadic sequences in triadic clinician-patient-interpreter interaction

| Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
| Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
“Dyadic” monolingual sequences involving the mediator and one participant alone seem crucial in medical interaction, but may hinder talk that is in fact triadic. For this reason, dyadic talk has raised debate in dialogue interpreting literature. In this contribution, we look at dyadic sequences in two data-sets, one with interpreting taking place on a regular basis, the other in which interpreting is rarely provided and the mediators less experienced. The data show that while dyadic sequences occur in both settings, their handling appears effective in the former and highly non-effective in the latter. Our analysis highlights reasons for (non-) effectiveness and allows for suggestions to both mediators and clinicians to improve their management of such a complex talk practice.
Keywords: interpreting, coordination, participation, dyadic/triadic talk, women’s/men’s health
Article outline
  • 1.Interpreting as a communication system in medical interaction with migrant patients
  • 2.The data
  • 3.Coordination through dyadic sequences: Negotiation and involvement
    • 3.1Clinicians’ explanations and orientation to rendition
    • 3.2Mediators’ renditions after dyadic sequences with the patients
  • 4.Conclusions
  • Transcription norms
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 17 November 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.338.05gav
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