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Poll: Do you think translators tend to be introverts? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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DianeGM Local time: 14:52 Member (2006) Dutch to English + ... Don't know ... | Nov 2, 2016 |
the translators I know personally have a whole gambit of personally traits. So I can't really say. One shared characteristic I have observed is that we/they hate to be interrupted, by whatever disturbance, during tasks which require intense concentration. | | |
Being an introvert is not a sine qua non for being a translator. I know some who are extroverts and others who are introverts and a number who are pretty much inbetween. What is absolutely necessary however, is the ability to maintain a high level of concentration over sustained periods of time. I'm chatty and I don't think that people who know me well would describe me as an introvert, although I do have my shy and/or silent moments. However, I have the ability to sustain my atten... See more Being an introvert is not a sine qua non for being a translator. I know some who are extroverts and others who are introverts and a number who are pretty much inbetween. What is absolutely necessary however, is the ability to maintain a high level of concentration over sustained periods of time. I'm chatty and I don't think that people who know me well would describe me as an introvert, although I do have my shy and/or silent moments. However, I have the ability to sustain my attention and remain focused and I put that skill to full use when I translate. ▲ Collapse | | |
Julian Holmes Japan Local time: 21:52 Member (2011) Japanese to English
Not telling. Too shy to answer | |
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As I said before to exactly the same question: 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... | | |
Mario Chavez (X) Local time: 08:52 English to Spanish + ... Some are introverts, some ambiverts and extroverts | Nov 2, 2016 |
As Teresa said, we can't throw generalizations. That's like saying that politicians tend to be extroverts, tax accountants introverts, watchmakers introverts, etc. It shows a degree of lazy thinking. I'm an introvert but you wouldn't guess by talking with me because (here's another generalization) some people assume introverts must be the quiet ones. Introversion is often confused with shyness. | | |
Thayenga Germany Local time: 13:52 Member (2009) English to German + ...
Mario Chavez wrote: I'm an introvert but you wouldn't guess by talking with me because (here's another generalization) some people assume introverts must be the quiet ones. Introversion is often confused with shyness. Any given profession doesn't make the person an introvert or extrovert per se. Some, perhaps even many translators are, others aren't. | | |
neilmac Spain Local time: 13:52 Spanish to English + ...
I try to avoid sweeping generalisations. To me, the notion of the introvert translator cooped up in a garret belongs in the same anecdotal ragbag as he thrifty Scot, the gentleman farmer, etc. ... in many cases more suited to the world of popular fiction than current reality. | |
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At least a lot of them are introverts, I think. I consider myself an introvert. | | |
Don't know... | Nov 2, 2016 |
...but I am. | | |
R. Alex Jenkins Brazil Local time: 09:52 Member (2006) Portuguese to English + ...
... I definitely am. People say I don't come across that way, but I've never worked as an interpreter for example, to my detriment, because I don't feel comfortable that way. | | |
Mario Freitas Brazil Local time: 09:52 Member (2014) English to Portuguese + ... Not the right factor | Nov 2, 2016 |
Being an introvert or otherwise does not depend on one's profession, yet on their personality. Although most freelance translators have a pretty lonely life and a not-so-intense social life, that doesn't mean one is introverted. You'll find out if the person is an introvert once you place them among other people and see how they behave. So, the shortage of opportunities does not define a personal trait like this, above all based on one's professional activity. | |
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Or the introvert linguists tend to become a translator among the professional options they have! | | |
Luiz Barucke Brazil Local time: 09:52 Spanish to Portuguese + ... Good question | Nov 2, 2016 |
Of course it depends on many factors and life styles, but I notice I got more introvert during these years as a freelance translator. Maybe an in-house translator does not feel the same, but this is basically a lonely job. In order to work, I need hours alone, seeing nobody and speaking to nobody, not a soul. Today, I feel streets too crowded, too noisy, and I didn't feel this way some years ago. I don't avoid parties, but I don't look for them either. Maybe being so much time on your own makes ... See more Of course it depends on many factors and life styles, but I notice I got more introvert during these years as a freelance translator. Maybe an in-house translator does not feel the same, but this is basically a lonely job. In order to work, I need hours alone, seeing nobody and speaking to nobody, not a soul. Today, I feel streets too crowded, too noisy, and I didn't feel this way some years ago. I don't avoid parties, but I don't look for them either. Maybe being so much time on your own makes you feel you really can live and you're better on your own. Of course this is a serious mistake. ▲ Collapse | | |
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