Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorFaculty of Humanitiesen_US
dc.contributor.advisorCheung, Andrew (CBS)en_US
dc.creatorWong, Cecilia Lok Yee-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12704-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleCorpus-driven study of interpreter’s politeness markers in utterances of Cantonese and Englishen_US
dcterms.abstractOver the last three decades, ‘politeness’ has been a significant component of pragmatic studies. Different theoretical approaches and models have been developed towards politeness theory (Leech, 1983; Brown and Levinson, 1987; Watts, 2003). A commonality shared among these models is that politeness is static, pre-assigned, or presupposed and permanent (Chan et al., 2018; Xiang et al., 2020). However, these studies have frequently been done in a monolingual setting. The conceptualization of politeness as a relational and interactional phenomenon constructed through discursivity and negotiations between interlocutors is radically realized (Locher, 2004; Arundale, 2006; Chan et al., 2018; Xiang et al., 2020).en_US
dcterms.abstractA series of empirical studies have delved into the gap between politeness and interpreter-mediated exchanges, such as conference interpreting and court interpreting, such as Mason and Stewart (2001), Jacobsen (2008), and Magnifico and Defrancq (2016). These case studies have opted for a qualitative and product-oriented approach which may not sufficiently expose how interpreters perceive their pragmatic roles through the intricate balance of translational and non-translational mediations when it comes to politeness, or how interpreters take part in the “complex co-construction of interaction” (Wadensjö, 1998:124; Angelelli, 2003; Mason, 2008). In this study, the use of politeness markers or lack thereof is investigated. Forms of politeness utterances produced by the interpreter to achieve communicative effectiveness, further depicting the interpreter's neutrality or biased attitude toward specific participants of the court. The evasive and dynamic interpreter roles played in the Hong Kong institutionalized courtrooms are analyzed by the use of politeness markers through Goffman's participation framework, as “animators”, “authors”, and “principals” (1981:144). Each of these roles is emblematic of different behaviors. In turn, interpreters’ “interference” (Berk-Seligson, 1990:20) of politeness markers in mediated interactions provides evidential support for interpreters' violation of FTAs (Brown and Levinson, 1987:61). This study consists of 100-hour verbatim courtroom transcriptions; interpreters' omissions, additions, and alterations of politeness markers are evident in source-target language interpreting, causing biased ramifications on ratified and unratified participants' perceptions; ultimately, potential deleterious outcomes emerge.en_US
dcterms.abstractThis study found interpreters’ numerous “interference” (Berk-Seligson, 1990:20) on source-target language interpreting corresponds to discrepancies with speakers and addressees; resulting in an obscured faithfulness principle in interpreting. Possible FTAs are alleviated as litigations and courtroom adversarial settings motivate the use of politeness markers as a means of communication strategies as face-preserving acts. However, the interpreters’ “interference” (Berk-Seligson, 1990:20) with source and target languages impacts the perceptions of individuals; ultimately FTAs are violated as a byproduct, and perceptions are formed.en_US
dcterms.abstractThis study discusses the roles interpreters play in mediated exchanges in Hong Kong Courtrooms through the use and means of politeness markers. Particularly, interpreters’ additions, omissions, and alterations of source to target language of politeness markers through Goffman's Participation Framework (1981) in hand with Brown and Levinson’s Politeness Theory (1987).en_US
dcterms.extentix, 165 pages : illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2023en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelDALSen_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Doctorateen_US
dcterms.LCSHPoliteness (Linguistics)en_US
dcterms.LCSHCourt interpreting and translating -- China -- Hong Kongen_US
dcterms.LCSHEnglish language -- Honorificen_US
dcterms.LCSHCantonese dialectsen_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
7138.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)1.45 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/12704