What to Wear? Black and Brown Interpreters’ Perspective on Professional Attire and Appearance

Abstract

This study explores how Black and Brown ASL-English interpreters navigate their presentation of professionalism and how they handle hyper-criticism with respect to attire. This qualitative case study of 10 participants was designed to collect the lived experiences of Black and Brown interpreters, specifically focusing on how they dress for interpreting assignments. Identifying the similarities and differences of perspectives on this topic, the researcher conducted two focus group discussions to uncover the unique experiences of Black and Brown interpreters in the interpreting community and shed light on a topic which has not received much attention outside private circles of Black and Brown communities. Coding of themes occurred through inductive and deductive design.