Interactional data through the kaleidoscope of analytical perspectives : reassembling the picture

الملخص EN

This study investigates an interpreter-mediated real-life interaction in the field of healthcare applying a multi-construct analytical procedure, whereby the same data are progressively observed from different theoretical angles.

the discussion demonstrates that, taken singly, each perspective would yield a partial, and potentially misleading, reading of data.

when combined together, on the other hand, the functional descriptions thereby obtained are found to complement one another.

in the specific case under scrutiny, the picture being reassembled is that of a co-constructed empathic rapport.

given that the aim of this paper is merely to suggest and exemplify a research methodology, viewpoints are restricted here to only three theoretical constructs.

going from locally to more contextually focused ones, these are conversational dominance, verbal politeness, and empathy.

more specifically, the encounter is a counselling session taking place in an Italian family planning clinic between a social worker, a mediator, and an immigrant woman requesting a voluntary termination of pregnancy.

selected representative excerpts are placed under each theoretical lens, and hypotheses formulated as to the reasons and effects of the participants’ interactional behaviours.

based on the findings, the following hypotheses are found to be unsupported; namely, that the mediator aims at establishing a peer-to-peer relationship with the service provider; that she aims at redressing a power imbalance by empowering the patient; that she aims at defusing a situation of conflict.

the analysis reveals, instead, the mutual responsivity and other-orientedness of the three participants, as well as their jointly building a caring environment apt to promote the patient’s well-being.