Interpreters Use Cantonese Particles to Manage Courtroom Communication
What is it about?
This study examines how Hong Kong court interpreters use Cantonese particles like "gam" and "na" to manage interactions, control turn-taking, and adjust tone during trials. It highlights interpreters’ strategic use of language to ensure clear and effective courtroom communication.
Why is it important?
This research is important because it highlights the critical role of interpreters in ensuring fair and effective communication in bilingual courtrooms. By examining the strategic use of Cantonese utterance particles, it reveals how interpreters manage interactions, assert authority, and adapt the tone of exchanges during trials. These findings deepen our understanding of the intersection between language and law, emphasizing the significance of linguistic strategies in maintaining clarity, fairness, and efficiency in legal proceedings. This knowledge is vital for improving interpreter training and fostering equitable multilingual legal systems.