Turn-organisation in mediated phone interaction using Video Relay Service (VRS)

Technical development has created new arenas of communication for people. One such arena is the Video Relay Service (VRS). The VRS facilitates interaction between people who use visual/gestual sign language on a video phone, and people who use verbal/auditive language on the telephone/mobile phone. The interaction is mediated by a sign language interpreter. The interpreter is the only person in the setting who is directly linked to the others, and all participants are physically separated from each other. The interpreter plays a key role in the interaction, administrating and co-ordinating the talk. In order to do so, the interpreter uses a range of different techniques and strategies. It is the purpose of the current article to describe, analyse and discuss the turn-organisation of the VRS. The article demonstrates how the interpreter is a power figure, who may sanction or not sanction an utterance. The interpreter also manages the turn-taking machinery by means of visible and audible techniques, as well as rendition strategies. The interpreter is not only a mediator, but a co-creator of the interaction; a part that relates dynamically, and makes the participants relate dynamically, to the specific setting of the service.

► The primary participants may claim the turn, but it is the interpreter who sanctions the turns.
► The interpreter organises turn-taking by techniques and rendition strategies.
► Techniques; hand and body movements, gaze/audible signals, defining the situation.
► Rendition strategies; anticipation, synchronization, expanded and reduced renditions.
► The interpreter is a power figure in the setting.