DISCOURSE MANAGEMENT AND RAPPORT-BUILDING: THE ROLE OF BACKCHANNELS IN REMOTE INTERPRETING

This study explores the role of backchannels in remote interpreting settings, specifically their function in rapport-building among interlocutors. Previous literature has emphasized interpreters as active participants in meaning negotiation, but limited research exists on backchannels in remote contexts, where nonverbal cues are often restricted. A discourse analytical approach is adopted to examine the interplay between lexical and nonlexical backchannels in a 40-minute corpus obtained from an online business interview. The findings reveal that interpreters use backchannels strategically to maintain engagement and foster collaboration, compensating for the absence of visual cues such as facial expressions and gestures. The study highlights the importance of backchannels in remote interpreting, offering valuable insights into how interpreters manage communication dynamics and contribute to the construction of mutual understanding in such settings. The study also calls for further discourse-focused research to explore the role of backchannels in supporting smooth, collaborative exchanges by improving our understanding of their impact on communication dynamics and the role of the interpreter in managing these interactions.