Interactional data through the kaleidoscope of analytical perspectives: Reassembling the picture.

This study investigates an interpreter-mediated real-life interaction in the field of healthcare applying a multi-construct analytical procedure, whereby the same data are progressively observed from different theoretical angles. The discussion demonstrates that, taken singly, each perspective would yield a partial, and potentially misleading, reading of data. When combined together, on the other hand, the functional descriptions thereby obtained are found to complement one another. In the specific case under scrutiny, the picture being reassembled is that of a co-constructed empathic rapport. Given that the aim of this paper is merely to suggest and exemplify a research methodology, viewpoints are restricted here to only three theoretical constructs. Going from locally to more contextually focused ones, these are conversational dominance, verbal politeness, and empathy.