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Poll: Do you think that freelance translators are mostly introverts? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you think that freelance translators are mostly introverts?".
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neilmac
Spain
Local time: 04:17
Spanish to English
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If I did think so, I'd be short-sighted to say the least. I think most "normal" people can be introvert or extrovert, or behave as such, as the occasion demands.
For example, someone deemed "introverted" may become life and soul of the party after a few drinks... or vice versa.
[Edited at 2015-02-15 08:44 GMT]
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I said 'Other'. I don't think extroverted people are comfortable sitting still for long hours the way we do, nor do they have the required capacity for long-term concentration. On the other hand, most translators have very active lives outside their work.
One of my colleagues used to say that successful translators typically have a hobby or sport that they pursue in addition to their work--that being well-rounded makes them better translators. I used to believe her, but now I'm cha... See more I said 'Other'. I don't think extroverted people are comfortable sitting still for long hours the way we do, nor do they have the required capacity for long-term concentration. On the other hand, most translators have very active lives outside their work.
One of my colleagues used to say that successful translators typically have a hobby or sport that they pursue in addition to their work--that being well-rounded makes them better translators. I used to believe her, but now I'm changing my mind. The more intensively we work, the better we become at what we do. We are better at something we do full-time than something we do part-time.
Maybe we should start by defining 'introvert'!
[Edited at 2015-02-15 09:07 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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I hate generalizations and stereotypical thinking in general. I must say though that I changed with age: I was an extrovert and I'm rather an introvert person now...
[Edited at 2015-02-15 17:21 GMT]
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Ventnai 
Spain
Local time: 04:17
German to English
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| Greater proportion | Feb 15, 2015 |
I would say that there is a greater proportion of introverts among translators than among other professions, but it is by no means the rule.
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This:
Teresa Borges wrote:
I hate generalizations and stereotypical thinking in general.
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Luiz Barucke
Brazil
Local time: 23:17
Spanish to Portuguese
+ ...
| others, others, others... | Feb 15, 2015 |
I think people are complex and do not fit to a simple yes or no.
Besides, someone's personality is bigger (and earlier) than their work as translator or whatever.
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Not all, but I do find that translators tend to be quiet, reflective and more reserved people.
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Mónica Algazi
Uruguay
Local time: 23:17
Member (2005)
English to Spanish
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Ty Kendall
United Kingdom
Local time: 03:17
Hebrew to English
| It's hard to deny..... | Feb 15, 2015 |
....that this profession is quite well suited to introverts (working alone, at home, little to no social interaction necessary etc.) and undoubtedly appeals to them. However, what conclusions you draw from that and whether introverts constitute a majority is highly debatable.
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| I was going to say yes... | Feb 15, 2015 |
But I remembered that I spent all day yesterday talking to clients, colleagues and friends that I obtained through work. I might just be the most social person I know.
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Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 22:17
English to Spanish
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| Introversion vs. extroversion | Feb 15, 2015 |
Ty Kendall wrote:
....that this profession is quite well suited to introverts (working alone, at home, little to no social interaction necessary etc.) and undoubtedly appeals to them. However, what conclusions you draw from that and whether introverts constitute a majority is highly debatable.
That's a thoughtful comment, Ty. As a staunch introvert, I agree. But I don't want to pigeonhole anyone or any profession into one specific personality mold.
This discussion could benefit from additional comments revealing how much we know about introversion and extroversion, since there is confusion even among educated people out there. For example, many confuse introversion with shyness or lack of vocal participation in meetings, etc.
If any of you met me in public, you would never peg me as an introvert. Many introverts learn to switch to their extrovert mode when in public, teaching, talking to clients or being in interviews. Even so, some introverts do enjoy being with people as they break from their concentration routines.
As for me, I'm what they would call an extreme introvert.
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Thayenga
Germany
Local time: 04:17
Member (2009)
English to German
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As is the case in any given profession, there are introverts and there are extroverts. A profession per se doesn't offer sufficient ground to jump to conclusions regarding the professional's character.
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| why on earth would they be? | Feb 15, 2015 |
I actually don't know a single translator personally who is an introvert.
Carine
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Mario Chavez (X)
Local time: 22:17
English to Spanish
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| More than you know | Feb 15, 2015 |
Anne-Carine Zimmer wrote: I actually don't know a single translator personally who is an introvert. Carine
Maybe the introverts you know are just acting extroverted for your benefit.
Introverts are not social butterflies; they enjoy solitude, not working with people. They draw their energy from thinking, living in their heads, not by mingling or being with people on a daily basis.
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