Constructing Conversational Meaning: Analysing Side Remarks Within Ongoing Mediated Discourse

Drawing on a discourse analytical approach and Goffman’s concept of footing, this study examines the role of side remarks in interpreter-mediated TV talk shows. While typically secondary to the main conversation, side remarks significantly influence interaction dynamics by shifting the focus toward entertainment and audience engagement. Using transcriptions from a corpus of publicly available video recordings of a Turkish talk show, the study specifically explores how shifts in footing facilitate the fluid negotiation of roles in creating a lively, participatory environment. The study has found that the host employs side remarks to cultivate a playful and informal atmosphere, often diverting attention from the primary dialogue. It has also revealed that interpreters align with the institutional party’s goals in their strategic decisions to withhold the translation of side remarks intended exclusively for audience amusement. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the guests’ awareness of the show’s dynamic structure, demonstrating their ability to adapt to side remarks without disrupting the flow of interaction.