| Pages in topic: [1 2] > | Poll: On average, how many hours of straight translation can you put in? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "On average, how many hours of straight translation can you put in?".
This poll was originally submitted by Nikeeta Kulkarni. View the poll results »
| | | | Mary Worby 
United Kingdom
Local time: 05:10
German to English
+ ...
| On average, 4-8 | Apr 8, 2010 |
But my time is normally constrained by external factors, specifically school runs and childcare.
With the children away, as today, I can do 12 hours on the trot (assuming normal toilet breaks, lunch, etc.). But I couldn't do that every day.
| | | | | What does "can" mean? | Apr 8, 2010 |
My powers of concentration are good. However, there are plenty of reasons why a straight run is not possible. Other clients coming along, wanting a quote for a complex set of files, for example?
Currently, I believe that long straight runs are not even the ideal way to either run a business or organise your time as a whole.
| | | | Michael Harris
Germany
Local time: 06:10
Member (2006)
German to English
| Other - depends | Apr 8, 2010 |
on what condition I am in, how busy, etc. etc. etc.
I have managed 14 hours and did not notice it, but usually 6 hours in one go is not unusual, then I have to take an hours break to carry on afterwards
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Tatty
Local time: 06:10
Spanish to English
+ ...
| Under pressure | Apr 8, 2010 |
I thought all translators would be able to do a straight 14 hour day +, given the usual food, drink and toilet breaks, for at least several days on the trot. Not that this is ideal of course.
Or does the survey mean without any breaks at all? In which case, I'm not really sure, but I'm sure I could do about 4 hours.
| | | | neilmac
Spain
Local time: 06:10
Spanish to English
+ ...
| Simon Bruni
United Kingdom
Local time: 05:10
Member (2009)
Spanish to English
| Quality and fatigue | Apr 8, 2010 |
Translation is a complex activity requiring a considerable cognitive effort on various different levels. In my experience the best results are obtained when the brain is 'firing on all cylinders', and this just isn't sustainable over a long period of time.
Obviously it's impossible to never work with a tired mind, but fortunately the effects can be mitigated (breaks, proof-reading after rest/sleep, coffee, sugar...)
| | | | | Post removed: This post was hidden by a moderator or staff member for the following reason: Requested edition not made after 5 days. |
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Joanna Hald (X)
Poland
Local time: 06:10
Danish to Polish
+ ...
| Can. But do I want it? | Apr 8, 2010 |
If needed I can work many hours, but do I like it? No!
| | | | Parrot
Spain
Local time: 06:10
Spanish to English
+ ...
as I define "straight translation" (absolutely no breaks).
| | | | | The same here... | Apr 8, 2010 |
Maximum 4 hours, with no breaks...
| | | | Gwenydd Jones
Spain
Local time: 06:10
Member (2009)
Spanish to English
+ ...
| Health and safety | Apr 8, 2010 |
To avoid eye strain/back and neck injuries, I tend to take a 5 minute tea or stretch break about every hour or so, unless I'm working to a very tight deadline.
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In my past life as a teacher I was working in spurts of 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes, and I find that I still seem to keep to that kind of rhythm, finding that my concentration level starts dipping fast if I don't have a brief break, even if it's just a case of getting up and having a walk out to the patio and back.
That is, of course, if I am not interrupted anyway.
| | | | | about two hours | Apr 8, 2010 |
Parrot wrote:
Less than 4)
as I define "straight translation" (absolutely no breaks).
... Then the need for a cup of coffee is overwhelming!
But frequent short breaks do wonders for concentration. Little ideas for improvement come up to the surface and I am sure quality soars.
I actually get far more done in a day if I take proper breaks, and if I look at the result a month or so later, (for instance when the same client sends another job,) the overall quality is far better if I have time to take breaks and do even small jobs in several passes.
Not only do marathons usually end in migraine attacks, but I find myself making silly spelling mistakes and allowing source language interference, translating far too literally and generally not delivering up to standard.
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Same here. I do my best quality work under some pressure, but not too much. If the subject is boring or stupid I tend to take more breaks. In that case I have to switch off the Internet to not get distracted too much.
- Rien
Gwen Jones wrote:
To avoid eye strain/back and neck injuries, I tend to take a 5 minute tea or stretch break about every hour or so, unless I'm working to a very tight deadline.
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