| Страниц в теме: < [1 2 3] > | Poll: Do you think freelance translators are mostly introverts? Автор темы: ProZ.com Staff
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Thayenga 
Германия
Local time: 23:48
Член ProZ.com c 2009
английский => немецкий
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inkweaver wrote:
I simply don't know enough translators personally to be able to make any sort of judgment...
I for one certainly am an introvert, but I don't think that this is negative. A lot of people seem to disgaree, though, therefore I'm most happy about the fact that I don't have to pretend to be anything that I neither am nor aspire to be.
Well spoken, inkweaver!
There's nothing negative about introversion. In fact, it might even be a valuable ingredient for creative people and translators alike. So I'm with inkweaver, being happy that I don't have to pretend to be anything/-one, but instead simply be myself - which seems to be something that some people don't dare to be.
| | | | Emin Arı
Турция
Local time: 00:48
английский => турецкий
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| I have already asked this question | Dec 7, 2010 |
a happy coincedence!
| | | | Alison Sabedoria (X)
Великобритания
французский => английский
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| Like oysters secreting pearls | Dec 7, 2010 |
Translation would appear to be a good career choice for introverts, but like Inkweaver says, it's difficult to know the answer to this one.
I was a "closet introvert" until I retreated here to the mountains and began to live more in tune with my nature. In spite of being quite exuberant and having plenty of self-confidence (something I've even taught), I'm always much happier getting on with creating things alone in my shell, like an oyster secreting pearls.
In my you... See more Translation would appear to be a good career choice for introverts, but like Inkweaver says, it's difficult to know the answer to this one.
I was a "closet introvert" until I retreated here to the mountains and began to live more in tune with my nature. In spite of being quite exuberant and having plenty of self-confidence (something I've even taught), I'm always much happier getting on with creating things alone in my shell, like an oyster secreting pearls.
In my youth introversion was certainly NOT valued as a quality, so I spent years fighting it. I made the effort to learn how to relate to people (rather than just animals), developed good social skills, and went on to a successful performing and teaching career - all very worthwhile, but also an enormous source of stress.
I had to learn the hard way that there's nothing to be gained by trying to be a square peg in a round hole, so these days I enjoy being an entrepreneurial introvert (yes, Laura, it IS possible!) and proud of it.
Alison ▲ Collapse
| | | | maryblack
США
Local time: 16:48
Член ProZ.com c 2013
испанский => английский
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| Not necessarily | Dec 7, 2010 |
I don't see why translators would tend to be introverts, but they certainly have to be comfortable spending long stretches of time alone, which is another matter entirely...
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| Not in my experience | Dec 7, 2010 |
In 18 years I have not encountered many introvert translators. As some of you mentioned, we may be introspective perhaps, prone to deep thinking and may prefer a quiet environment to work in. This does not mean however that we are introverts. I am anything but,. I relish any bit of human contact I can have and in many occasions I would rather pick up the 'phone to talk to clients or Project managers than email. I also take part in social activities with other translators and interpreters (we hav... See more In 18 years I have not encountered many introvert translators. As some of you mentioned, we may be introspective perhaps, prone to deep thinking and may prefer a quiet environment to work in. This does not mean however that we are introverts. I am anything but,. I relish any bit of human contact I can have and in many occasions I would rather pick up the 'phone to talk to clients or Project managers than email. I also take part in social activities with other translators and interpreters (we have a great Spanish ITI network in the UK and other networks like NWTN -very few bashful souls there!) ▲ Collapse
| | | | Trisha F
Великобритания
Local time: 22:48
английский => испанский
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| I can't say for sure | Dec 7, 2010 |
I don't know translators that well. Actually, most of my friends have nothing to do with the world of translation. I am an introvert when around people I don't know and have nothing in common with, whereas I can be very talkative and upbeat in other situations.
I can't generalise because translators often prove to be quite the opposite to what I imagine. I used to believe freelance translators were more easy going, artistic and not very concerned with people's appearance. The repli... See more I don't know translators that well. Actually, most of my friends have nothing to do with the world of translation. I am an introvert when around people I don't know and have nothing in common with, whereas I can be very talkative and upbeat in other situations.
I can't generalise because translators often prove to be quite the opposite to what I imagine. I used to believe freelance translators were more easy going, artistic and not very concerned with people's appearance. The replies I got when I asked my first question in the forum proved otherwise as I got told off for wearing a black jumper and eyeliner in my first avi, as though that indicated I was a follower of the forces of darkness or something. I'm pretty sure there are thousands of less straitlaced translators but I was unlucky that time.
[Edited at 2010-12-07 15:16 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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I think translators in general are people-persons who work to let others communicate and get ideas through to one another... it´s true we have a lot of online solitary work, but we also have phone call, online live and in person translation. We are constantly in contact with people, so we need to be expressive and even I guess the more extrovert the better! So, no, no at all!
| | | | | Translation abhors a vacuum :-) | Dec 7, 2010 |
I'm not sure about this one.
I know I spend the majority of my work day in a quiet house "interfacing" only with my computer, but I'm also a very social person and find myself climbing the walls after a couple of days of doing so! The thing I miss most about my previous jobs in office environments is the people.
I find that being able to translate accurately involves reaching out to lots of different peo... See more I'm not sure about this one.
I know I spend the majority of my work day in a quiet house "interfacing" only with my computer, but I'm also a very social person and find myself climbing the walls after a couple of days of doing so! The thing I miss most about my previous jobs in office environments is the people.
I find that being able to translate accurately involves reaching out to lots of different people to get terminology right (fellow translators, clients, friends and family in different industries). I often ask my husband (a network administrator) about computer-specific terms, or call my parents (both in the medical field) for help when I'm working on a scientific article. Sometimes I'll just call a friend and ask "does this sound natural to you?" when I'm proof-reading. A second pair of ears always helps, especially one which doesn't know the source language!
I also believe that producing native-sounding texts involves hearing (rather than just reading) how people speak and how they use industry-specific jargon. I don't believe that you can produce an appropriate text if you don't know how your target audience actually talks and thinks, so it's important to maintain contacts in your chosen industry!
[Edited at 2010-12-07 16:33 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Katia Perry
Бразилия
Local time: 18:48
Член ProZ.com c 2007
английский => португальский
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| I agree with Wordeffect | Dec 7, 2010 |
I am an introvert myself and teaching was very stressful. So was presenting my projects' results in congresses or meetings. But it doesn't mean that I am unable to socialise. In fact, I taught for years, and I still work as a researcher, which implies working in group everyday.
But surely I am much more comfortable in front of my computer, communicating by e-mails, or through forums like this one.
| | | | Henry Hinds
США
Local time: 15:48
английский => испанский
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Памяти
To answer such a question we would have to know a very large number of translators to come to a statistically valid conclusion. All I can say is that to be a translator one has to be self-motivated and self-disciplined, able to concentrate for long periods of time and not constantly yearning for human companionship.
I certainly do not consider myself to be an introvert by any means; I have many friends. However, I would not work with any of them, and as a matter of fact I detest wor... See more To answer such a question we would have to know a very large number of translators to come to a statistically valid conclusion. All I can say is that to be a translator one has to be self-motivated and self-disciplined, able to concentrate for long periods of time and not constantly yearning for human companionship.
I certainly do not consider myself to be an introvert by any means; I have many friends. However, I would not work with any of them, and as a matter of fact I detest working with others in projects of any kind. The friendly relationship would soon come to an end. Thus, I realize I am best working in isolation.
A teamworker I am not. ▲ Collapse
| | | | neilmac
Испания
Local time: 23:48
испанский => английский
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In my opinion such generalisations, like comparisons, are generally odious.
[Edited at 2010-12-07 19:23 GMT]
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Of all my translator friends, 95% are introvert. Most of them barely go out (to have fun, I mean, because some do interpretation jobs at events), they do not make parties or just organize a meeting for fun or on their birthdays. Whenever we meet in somebody's (99%, my!) place or go out, it's mainly because it was me who organized the meeting.
I am not only considering meetings or parties but also, they speak little or not at all, with very soft voices, or almost never call on the p... See more Of all my translator friends, 95% are introvert. Most of them barely go out (to have fun, I mean, because some do interpretation jobs at events), they do not make parties or just organize a meeting for fun or on their birthdays. Whenever we meet in somebody's (99%, my!) place or go out, it's mainly because it was me who organized the meeting.
I am not only considering meetings or parties but also, they speak little or not at all, with very soft voices, or almost never call on the phone. Most of them are also not married or do not have a boy/girlfriend.
I am probably part of that remaining 5%. I like to go out, organize outings, celebrate my birthday and have a husband and children.
[Edited at 2010-12-07 20:37 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Sheila Wilson
Испания
Local time: 22:48
Член ProZ.com c 2007
английский
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| Uninhibited introvert or shy extrovert? | Dec 7, 2010 |
Apparently these terms exist and seem to fit me better than any of the other classifications. Does anyone here fit nicely into any category?
Some things I like doing:
- I love teaching big groups in my business English training role
- I'm not shy about taking the mic to introduce my husband's songs (he's a singer/songwriter)
- I'll natter quite happily to complete strangers (e.g. in a queue)
- I interview well, coming across as having good communication skil... See more Apparently these terms exist and seem to fit me better than any of the other classifications. Does anyone here fit nicely into any category?
Some things I like doing:
- I love teaching big groups in my business English training role
- I'm not shy about taking the mic to introduce my husband's songs (he's a singer/songwriter)
- I'll natter quite happily to complete strangers (e.g. in a queue)
- I interview well, coming across as having good communication skills (so I'm told)
- I'm quite prepared to push my limits (skydiving, motor racing etc)
Sounds like a typical extrovert? However:
- I dread all social events, to the point of having digestive problems (although I do sometimes really enjoy myself in the end)
- I don't like to talk on the phone and will put off calling anyone, preferring to use email
- I never really had much in the way of friends, preferring the company of close family
In short, I am perfectly happy interacting in professional and impersonal situations, but not in social situations. ▲ Collapse
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I think, as everywhere else, there are some introverts and some not.
And me as an example, I think there is nobody who has ever met me for more than 5 minutes and think I am introvert! ;o)))
And if by chance anybody does, I just want to say: No, I am definetely NOT introvert at all!
Cheers,
Helena
| | | | | Let's get real | Dec 8, 2010 |
Presumably this discussion is about people who spend all day, day after day, in front of the computer translating - i.e., full-time translators. Let's assume that people who do occasional translation, as well as interpreters who also translate, are not the population we're talking about. I understand that this is about the same typical Prozians who are engaged in the present debate.
maryblack wrote:
I don't see why translators would tend to be introverts, but they certainly have to be comfortable spending long stretches of time alone, which is another matter entirely...
"Spending long stretches of time alone" is NOT "another matter entirely": It's at the heart of the matter. See the following definition:
extroversion - Personality style where the individual prefers outward and group activity as opposed to inward and individual activity.
spaciousheart.net/index.php
Most people to the right of center on the introversion-extroversion scale could not tolerate working long hours alone in front of the computer day in and day out, month in and month out, etc. I say this based on decades of studying personality (I have a shelf of more than 40 books on the subject).
For those of us who rely on written translation for a living, it's a simple fact that our working conditions force the selection of people who can stand them, and these people are definitely not full-blown extroverts, though some may be more extroverted than others.
[Edited at 2010-12-08 02:25 GMT]
[Edited at 2010-12-08 02:27 GMT]
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