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Abstract
This study examines the phenomenon of chunking in interpreter-mediated TV talk shows, focusing on how interpreters utilize multimodal resources, in addition to speech, to segment discourse and manage turn-taking. TV talk shows are semi-institutional environments characterized by casual conversation, predominantly led by the host and aimed at both the studio audience and television viewers. While the talk serves an informative purpose, its main goal is entertainment, with interpreters playing an essential role in supporting this function. In this context, interpreters rely not only on speech but also on embodied semiotic resources, which help manage the flow of conversation. By emphasizing the role of embodied semiotic resources, the study moves beyond traditional approaches that centre solely on spoken language. Data obtained from a popular Turkish talk show2 were analysed, revealing how interpreters rely on these resources to facilitate the segmentation of speech into more manageable units. The findings suggest that chunking is not only the responsibility of interpreters but is a collaborative process, with both interpreters and speakers working together to create coherent meaning. The study also highlights the significant role of gaze in coordinating turn-taking and gestures in referencing shared past experiences, reducing the cognitive load on interpreters. This research presents a rarely explored perspective on chunking as an interactional practice, acknowledging the contribution of various semiotic tools in meaning-making.
