Information sharing and the interpreted interaction: Consumer orientation

Abstract

Consumer Orientation (CO) is the act of sharing information with participants in an interpreted interaction, with the goal of improving their understanding of working with interpreters. A previous study conducted in the United States found that lack of CO may cause confusion and distraction on the part of hearing consumers, leaving them with a more negative impression of both the interaction and the Deaf interlocutor (Jones, 2017). In this follow-up study, a similar survey design was used to examine whether the presence of CO had an impact on the perceptions of participants, and if responses differed when CO was provided by the Deaf presenter versus the interpreter. Results bolster the previous findings and lend support to the idea that CO can make a positive difference in the experience and perception of hearing consumers. An analysis of open-ended responses also offers insights into which parts of the experience of working with interpreters might be most confusing or distracting for hearing interlocutors, leading to suggestions for what information might be included in an effective CO. Results warrant further discourse about CO as an ongoing, dynamic, responsive process, and recommendations for further research are outlined.