Du perfectionnisme dans les métiers de la traduction

Details

Supervisors

Kerres, Patricia

Faculty

Faculté de philosophie, arts et lettres

Degree label

Master [120] en interprétation, à finalité spécialisée: interprétation de conférence

Abstract

enThis exploratory study examines the potential links between perfectionism and the translation professions by looking at two fields: Translation and Interpreting. The theoretical section of this thesis provides a better understanding of the concept op perfectionism – a highly ambivalent term – and helps to identify the factors likely to influence its development. An online survey, completed by 72 professionals, helped to determine the concrete manifestations and effects of perfectionism, when it arises and how widespread it is. Of the 72 respondents, 37 were interpreters and 35 were translators. In total, 61,11% described themselves as perfectionists, 26,39% are perfectionist at times, and only 12,5% do not consider themselves perfectionists at all. The responses indicate a prevalence of perfectionism among translators (71%). Among interpreters, 51% considered themselves to be perfectionists. Translators reported being perfectionists mainly during the translation process, whereas interpreters predominantly felt their perfectionist tendencies during the preparation and whilst working in the booth. Whilst certain effects and manifestations are shared, the results suggest that the specific characteristics of each profession shape the way in which perfectionism is expressed. The differences and similarities observed in the two groups highlight the influence of the specific requirements of the translation and interpreting professions. Moreover, these responses reflect, to some extent, the concerns and constraints associated with the translation and interpreting markets.