Exploring hearing people’s experiences of working with sign language interpreters in the workplace

Abstract

This study explored hearing (non-deaf) people’s experiences of working with sign language interpreters in the workplace. Qualitative data were collected through one-to-one interviews with managers, colleagues, or subordinates of deaf people. Transcripts of the interviews were then analysed using a reflexive thematic approach to identify themes that capture the hearing person’s perspective on working with interpreters. These themes included the positive and negative aspects of working with interpreters, the workplace norms and etiquette that affect both their understanding of the interpretation and their relationship with deaf colleagues, the way the interpreter presents both the deaf and hearing people, and finally the professional boundaries of the interpreter. In addition, the research revealed the reasons for hearing people creating their own lists of preferred interpreters and how this intersects with the preferences of deaf persons. Finally, the study explored the concept of trust and the effect this has on all individuals in the workplace.