Translators’ Identity Work: Introducing Micro-Sociological Theory of Identity to the Discussion of Translators’ Habitus

Abstract

Criticisms of the concept of the habitus put forward its disregard of the multiplicity and variability of same-group individuals’ dispositions and question its potential to account for differences and change. In this connection I find problematic the disregard of individuals’ intentions and self-perception in conceptualizing the habitus. Both of these topics are central concerns of identity research. In this article I propose the integration of the notions of identity work, particularly as inspired by Erving Goffman and the American micro-sociology traditions, within the discussion of translators’ habitus, to elaborate on the micro-level, situation-dependent ongoing negotiations of translators’ role and translators’ competence by the individual actors. Focusing on the question of status and self-worth, this perspective helps better accounting for Bourdieu’s idea of the logic of practice and the cultural capital as crucial for understanding not only translators’ construction of their professional role-image(s) but also their tendency to employ translation norms in their work performances. Looking at identity talk allows tracing the interplay between actors’ habitual tendencies and professional self-images, that is, between their background cultural baggage and the repertoire imposed by the field, as identity resources that form these actors’ occupational habitus. Examples are based on findings from my research on the field of Israeli translators.

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