The word Paraphrasis is derived from the Latin " paraphrasis ", which has the prefix "para" which means "next to" and " phrasis " whose meaning is expression, it means then that the paraphrase is that expression that is placed next to a text, in order to explain its content in a simpler way, so that it is understandable to its readers. In general, the paraphrase is classified as mechanical paraphrase and constructive paraphrase.
Definition of paraphrase
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Paraphrasing is a simple way to rephrase the meaning of a certain text, using different words. Through it, it is possible to explain what a complicated text means using simple language, in order to make it easier to understand.
The paraphrase of a text can be understood as a translation, in which the text is given a simple and clear vision for other readers.
In most of the study texts the use of technical words is very common, because their function is to collaborate in the contribution of data and information based on the experiments or studies carried out; In order to explain the doubts that arise from this paraphrase, one must imitate (by using a different language) what a text expresses.
Clarifying the different dimensions that may be included in its original message, for this reason, the fact of paraphrasing is not literally copying the content of the text, it depends on the understanding and analysis of an individual, being then a less rigorous study technique. On the other hand, the fact of transforming a verse into prose and vice versa, is also known as a paraphrase.
Examples of paraphrases
- "Persevere and you will succeed." Paraphrase: In that you insist several times for what you want, in the end you can achieve the objectives set ”.
- "The ignorant affirms, the wise doubt and reflect" (Aristotle). Paraphrase: the intelligent person knows that he does not know everything, for those before speaking he reflects.
- “Trust in time, which usually gives sweet solutions to many bitter difficulties” (Miguel de Cervantes). Paraphrase: Time can help you and solve problems that arise throughout life.
- "Choose a job that you like and you will not have to work one day in your life" (Confucius). Paraphrase: if you have a job that you like, you will not see it as an obligation but as a pleasure.
Types of paraphrases
There are two kinds of paraphrase, these are: mechanical paraphrase (the use of synonyms is used to substitute words, but the syntax of the text remains almost the same) and constructive paraphrase (as its name says it seeks to create or construct a new text re-writing the statement again, providing different characteristics to the original, but without changing its meaning).
For example, "Choose a job that you like and you will not have to work any day of your life".- Confucius. "If you like your work you will see it as a pleasure, not as an obligation".- paraphrase.
Constructive paraphrase
Constructive paraphrase also called creative paraphrase, thanks to it the text changes its shape, in a complete or partial way, but preserving the main idea or ideas of the original text. It can be said that this figure is commonly used by people, since they resort to it without realizing it, totally altering the text but keeping the main idea or the ideas that are transmitted in it.
Mechanical paraphrase
The mechanical paraphrase is one in which the original words of a text are replaced by synonyms, in some cases by similar expressions. This paraphrase maintains the structure of the original text, keeping the syntax almost the same.
It should be noted that, when replacing ideas or words with synonyms, the structure of the original text must be preserved, since it is about creating a text totally based on the original.
On the other hand, it is important to mention that paraphasia is a disorder suffered by a person in language, when he is not able to remember the appropriate words or phonemes for the moment in which he is. Generally people try to cover up or overcome this problem by using other synonymous words or by the way, when talking to other people.
The paraphasia phonemic, meanwhile, is a type of parafasia that occurs in patients with difficulty producing sounds individually, but the syllables are pronounced incorrectly, distorting the words with sounds that do not want to produce.
Finally, it is important to mention that there is another type of paraphrase called Amplifying Paraphrase, or also called explanatory, referring to any explanation or clarification that must be made of a text. This type of paraphrase should be organized as follows:
- The text that will be explained should serve as a strict guide for the presentation.
- In the explanation, the concepts of the text are used, formulating them in an identical or partially modified way.
- Complementary data and some related extensions must be entered to make the paraphrased text clearer or understandable.
- The purpose of amplifying paraphrase is to add explanatory extensions to the content of the text. When attending to any of its two explanatory or amplifying names, it refers them to the presence of clarifying additions on the text.
How to Paraphrase in APA Standards
APA stands for " American Psychological Association ", this center developed a series of very precise guidelines to assist researchers and writers when referring to the work of other authors.
To paraphrase the work of another author, you need to have some attention to detail, as it is easy to paraphrase and summarize someone else's work without giving them any credit. The APA rules out improvisation, as a detailed explanation and examples of references must be provided.
Change the phrases of the text in reference using your own words. Changing some words in sentences is not paraphrasing. The information should be written using your own ideas and interpretation of what is stated by the author to which it refers.
