Repair Strategy
A communication technique used by a person with hearing loss to resolve a breakdown in understanding during conversation, such as requesting repetition, clarification, or rephrasing from a communication partner.
Full Definition
Repair strategies are a subset of communication strategies specifically employed after a communication breakdown has occurred—that is, after a listener has failed to perceive or understand a spoken message. They include specific requests (e.g., 'Could you rephrase that?' or 'I didn't catch the last word—could you repeat it?'), non-specific requests (e.g., 'Pardon?'), and negotiation of message content. Aural rehabilitation programmes teach clients to use specific repair strategies in preference to non-specific ones, as the former give the communication partner actionable guidance. Editors should note that repair strategies are reactive, triggered by breakdown, whereas anticipatory strategies are proactive. The term is not synonymous with 'communication strategy', which is the broader category.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish reactive 'repair strategies' from proactive 'anticipatory strategies' when editing rehabilitation programme descriptions. Repair strategies follow a breakdown; anticipatory strategies precede one.
In Context
- "Clients were encouraged to use specific repair strategies such as 'Could you say that in a different way?' rather than the non-specific 'What?'" — Group aural rehabilitation workbook
- "The therapist role-played common conversational breakdowns to help patients identify and practise appropriate repair strategies." — Individual therapy session note