Seleskovitch (1979), Alcorn & Humphrey (1995), and numerous other interpreting theorists and researchers have written about various non-linguistic requirements for interpreters.  For example, Seleskovitch (1979) discusses cognitive abilities, as do Alcorn & Humphrey (1995).  Alcorn & Humphrey (1995) also discuss physical characteristics and the ability to control ones emotional state when discussing whether a person is a good candidate for the field.  However, only one research project that I have come across has addressed personality types in relation to interpreting.  Several authors have discussed the need for an interpreter to be organized, trustworthy, and ethical.  By understanding personality types we may be able to identify areas for growth within ourselves, as well as identify warning signs of stress and unhealthy mental and emotional states which may affect our work.

For this presentation I took and researched several personality typing tests.  We will focus on three in particular:

1. The Jung Typology Test

2. The Keirsey Temperament Sorter

3. The Enneagram

The Jung and Keirsy tests (as well as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator MBTI) are based on similar psychology.  The tests ask a series of forced choice questions and then attempt to present a personality type to you.  Of course there are several valid criticisms of these types of forced choice tests, i.e. cultural/ linguistic bias.  Also a professional who understands the psychology behind the test should administer these tests. (For more on limitations and scope of the MBTI and The Keirsey Temperament Sorter please read the attached document or visit: http://www.tri-network.com/articles/instruments.html )

Still, these tests are used to determine job placement and aptitude and are relevant to the field of interpreting.  By administering these tests we may be able to find a) what type of person typically pursues a career as an interpreter, and b) what type excels in the field.  Today’s discussion will not answer these questions, however it may spark interest in the topic.

The two tests mentioned above are both based on ideas suggested by C.G. Jung.  The following is an explanation of Jung’s ideas from http://www.typelogic.com/faq.html:

“What are all these letters?

Carl Jung developed psychological types based on the four functions (Feeling, Thinking, iNtuition and Sensing) and the two attitudes (Extraversion and Introversion). These terms are easily confused with common English words. They don't necessarily mean what we expect them to mean:

E -- Extraverted: turned toward the outer world, of people and things. An extravert, or extraverted type, is one whose dominant function is focused in an external direction. Extraverts are inclined to express themselves, using their primary function, directly.

I -- Introverted: turned toward the inner world of symbols, ideals and forms. An introvert, or introverted type, is one whose dominant function is inwardly focused. Introverts are inclined to express themselves, using their primary function, indirectly, through inference and nuance.

N -- iNtuition: "Unconscious perceiving." Intuition involves the recognition of patterns, the perception of the abstract; it is a visionary sense. Extraverted intuition perceives the patterns and possibilities of life. Introverted intuition compares the "rightness" of real-world circumstances with that which is ideal. In Jung's typology, intuition is an irrational function. Intuition's opposite function is Sensing.

S -- Sensing: physiological perception; perceiving with the five natural senses. Extraverted sensors are attuned to the world of sights, sounds, smells, touches and tastes. Introverted sensors are most aware of how those perceptions compare with their ideal internal standards. In Jung's typology, sensing is an irrational function. Sensing's opposite is iNtuition.

T -- Thinking: Making decisions impersonally. In Jung's typology, thinking is a rational function. Thinking's opposite is Feeling.

F -- Feeling: Making decisions from a personal perspective. In Jung's typology, feeling is a rational function. Feeling's opposite is Thinking.

What about P and J?

P stands for Perceiving, J for Judging. What they really represent is, again, complex. For the E (extraverted) types, it's simple enough - P means that the dominant function is a Perceiving function (iNtuition or Sensing); J means the dominant function is a deciding or Judging function.

For Introverts, it's just the opposite. P actually means that the extraverted function is a Perceiving (data-collecting, or irrational) function, but since the dominant function is introverted (by definition for Introverts), the I _ _ P types' first functions are Judging (deciding or rational) functions.

Confusing? All theory aside, just remember that J types show the world their decision-making Judging function and P types display the more open-ended perceiving, data-collecting function.

So these sixteen four-letter combinations represent something basic about one's personality. We call it psychological type. Type doesn't pretend to be a complete description of one's personality, but it does give some fascinating personal insights.

What are functions and attitudes?

Function: A psychic mechanism for receiving or interpreting data. Feeling, Thinking, iNtuition and Sensing are the four functions. Each person is predisposed to perceive and to respond to stimuli based on one of sixteen combinations of these four functions. The individual's primary function is called the dominant function, auxiliary is secondary, tertiary is third, and inferior fourth. (See the functional analysis page for more information.)

Attitude: The direction that a function focuses on, either Extraverted or Introverted (see above).”

            According to how you grade out your personality type will be a combination of the factors discussed above.  To take a Jung based test visit:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

For a Kiersey test visit:

http://www.advisorteam.com/temperament_sorter/register.asp?partid=1

In 2002 Nash McCutchen researched personality typing as it applies to interpreters.  McCutchen has a background in psychology and is trained in how to administer and interpret the MBTI.  Citing the works of Humphrey & Alcorn among others, McCutchen identified two groups, Guardians and Idealists, encompassing eight personality types that she believed to be those most likely to be found in the field of ASL-English interpreting.  McCutchen found that 72.55% of the interpreters who responded to her study fell into the predicted personality types.

The enneagram is an ancient personality typing device.  (Please visit http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ to view the enneagram.) The advantage of the enneagram is that it seems to go much deeper into potential personality shifts than the Jung, Keirsy, or MBTI tests.  Once you have found your basic personality type the enneagram also provides traits in your triad.  Also, the enneagram provides a dominant wing, one of the types adjacent to your main type which influences your behavior.  at this point enneagram scholars view the enneagram as a horizontal tool.  Recently, a conceptual vertical axis has been added.

“There is an internal structure within each personality type. That structure is the continuum of behaviors, attitudes, defenses, and motivations formed by the nine Levels of Development which makes up the personality type itself. This discovery (and the working out of all the traits that comprise each type) was made by Don Riso in 1977, and has been subsequently developed with Russ Hudson in the last ten years. They are the only Enneagram teachers to include this important factor in their treatment of the Enneagram. The Levels are an important contribution not only to the Enneagram but to ego psychology — and the personality types of the Enneagram cannot be adequately explained without them. The Levels account for differences between people of the same type as well as how people change both for better or worse. Thus, they can also help therapists and counselors pinpoint what is actually going on with clients and suggest solutions to the problems they are having.” (http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/)

The levels function as a tool you can use to recognize unhealthy behavior.  By observing the levels and understanding your basic personality type you can recognize unhealthy states of mind that you might not have been aware of.

Finally, the enneagram further explains shifts away from your core personality traits by examining what traits you are likely to express during times of stress or in times of peace.  These are called “Directions of Integration” and “Directions of Disintegration.”  for example, a Seven will manifest the unhealthy characteristics of a one during times of stress, and will display the healthy traits of a Five when at peace.  All the while they will continue express their own core trait, as well as that of their dominant wing.

            For a more in depth explanation please see the attached document or visit:

http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/intro.asp to take an enneagram assessment visit:

http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/dis_sample_36.asp

            In closing I would suggest that there are indeed personality types more or less suited to interpreting.  The description included here for type One sounds like an interpreter to me.  This may also mean that a Two or a Nine with a strong One wing could be a good interpreter.  The danger is that Twos closely match the description of people fitting the “Helper Model” of interpreting.  Therefore a Two might need to have a strong One wing in order to succeed in the field.  In terms of further research it would be interesting to see if the type of people involved in interpreting has changed as the models have changed.  For example, were there more Twos during the Helper days, more Ones during the Machine Model period, and who are interpreters today?