Research Article

A Comparative analysis of role perceptions and expectations of medical doctors and interpreters in healthcare settings

Number: 23 June 21, 2021
  • Olcay Şener Erkırtay *
  • Şeyda Kıncal
TR EN

A Comparative analysis of role perceptions and expectations of medical doctors and interpreters in healthcare settings

Abstract

It is a fact that interpreters act as important language facilitators by bridging the gaps between the parties. Especially Cecilia Wadensjö’s (1998) influential research on community interpreting presented a new perspective in which the interpreter started to be perceived as an active participant assuming different roles and having power during the interactions (Van de Mieeroop, 2012:1). Thus, various scholars started examining the interpreters as active participants. On the other hand, user expectations and perceptions are also among the key factors defining the role of the interpreter. With this purpose, this study attempts to explore, compare and contrast the role perceptions and expectations of medical doctors and healthcare interpreters in accordance with the expectancy norms and the professional norms, as part of an ongoing PhD thesis. The data analyzed in this paper were obtained from questionnaires submitted to 22 medical doctors working in private hospitals and clinics, and interviews conducted with 13 interpreters working in private hospitals in Turkey. Preliminary findings reveal that interpreters mostly meet the doctors’ expectations in terms of role. However, there are also certain aspects that diverge from this finding. The comparative analysis that this study aims to undertake is hoped to provide an insight into the conflicting views on perceptions and expectations that shape the healthcare interpreter’s role.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Linguistics

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Olcay Şener Erkırtay * This is me
0000-0002-5971-2585
Türkiye

Şeyda Kıncal This is me
0000-0003-4713-1537
Türkiye

Publication Date

June 21, 2021

Submission Date

April 8, 2021

Acceptance Date

October 20, 2021

Published in Issue

Year 2021 Number: 23

APA
Şener Erkırtay, O., & Kıncal, Ş. (2021). A Comparative analysis of role perceptions and expectations of medical doctors and interpreters in healthcare settings. RumeliDE Dil Ve Edebiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi, 23, 1100-1118. https://doi.org/10.29000/rumelide.950025

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