Although the interpreter’s function in interaction has attracted significant interest in the literature, the focus is often restricted to verbal interaction alone. This paper introduces an analytical framework, based on Goffman’s construct of role, to examine how participants’ actions: (i) carry communicative meaning that complements their use of language; ii) are interdependent with those of other participants. The analysis also takes into account the normative frameworks which, to a certain extent, shape the interpreter’s and the doctor’s actions. Transcribed excerpts of two authentic medical consultations are examined, along with video stills. The recordings, with interpreting between Dutch and Russian, were made at a Belgian hospital; informed consent and ethical approval were obtained. It is shown that interpreters’ use of non-verbal resources can favour the patient’s inclusion in interaction when s/he is bypassed by the doctor, possibly interested in involving only the interpreter and in leaving little, if any, opportunity for the patient’s voice to be heard.

中文翻译：

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调查口译员的角色

尽管口译员在互动中的功能引起了文学界的极大兴趣，但焦点通常仅限于口头互动。本文基于戈夫曼的角色构造，介绍了一个分析框架，以研究参与者的行为：（i）带有交流意义，以补充他们对语言的使用；ii）与其他参与者相互依存。分析还考虑了在一定程度上影响口译员和医生行动的规范框架。会检查两个真实医学会诊的转录摘录以及视频剧照。这些录音在荷兰语和俄语之间进行翻译，是在比利时一家医院录制的。获得了知情同意和道德批准。