Role Analysis Of Talk Show Interpreters

Interpreters were once regarded as "invisible conduit" that channels information among different language groups.However,many researchers have found that interpreters are actually participatory agents in interpreted communicative events.Talk show interpreting is a special form of interpreting.In interpreted talk shows,interpreters play an indispensable role in the progression of the programs.Based on Goffman’s sociological theories such as "footing”and“participation framework" which includes "production format" and "reception format",this thesis aims to analyze interpreter’s role in televised talk shows,taking 80’s Talk Show as an example.With people born in 1980s as the target audience and the social hot spots as the topics,80’s Talk Show is a western style program in China.When guests from foreign countries are invited,interpreters are always present to guarantee the smooth progression of the program.This thesis establishes a corpus that consists of the multilingual talks in 80’s Talk Show.The interpreter involved in the corpus is also interviewed through social media to better analyze interpreter’s roles in televised talk shows.Through analysis,the researcher finds that the interpreter shifts among different roles on the stage of 80’s Talk Show.As a speaker,the interpreter takes the roles of"animator","author" and "principal".Among the three roles,she speaks as a"principal" most frequently.As a listener,the interpreter assumes the roles of"addressee","auditor" and "overhearer" but never takes the role of an"eavesdropper".Meanwhile,interpreter’s footing changes continuously.She aligns,for most of the time,with the presenter on the stage.Interpreter’s role on the stage is not only dependent on the interpreter’s perception of his or her identity,but also on the dominant position of the presenter.Finally,the author believes that interpreter’s assumption of the role of“principal”in the communication will bring many risks and negative effects.Interpreters should be aware of these risks and negative effects and have the ability to control them.They must seek a balance between their subjective initiative and interpreting rules.