Paraphrase
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Paraphrase is a statement or remark explained in other words or another way, so as to simplify or clarify its meaning. It can be used as a replacement for a direct quotation when the original text is unavailable or under copyright restriction. A paraphrase can substitute a euphemism for a direct statement, in order to avoid offense. As with a quotation, a paraphrase is introduced by a verbum dicendi, or disclaimer. A paraphrase is sometimes marked with (ph).
[edit] Historical usage in scripture teaching
Paraphrases is a form of literature arising, originally, out of biblical exegesis. In the early history of the Christian church, evangelists and missionaries needed the Gospel and the Pauline epistles written in a manner suitable for local populations and less educated priests. Therefore, various Church authorities had "paraphrases" issued. After the fifth century and before the Reformation, the Bible was only available in the Latin Vulgate version in the Western church. Believers and pastors needed vernacular commentaries and explanations of scripture. The most famous of the paraphrases was probably The Paraphrases of Erasmus, a commentary on the Gospels written by D. Erasmus, which Edward VI of England ordered to be posted in all parish churches in England in 1547. The section of that paraphrase on the Gospel of John was translated into English by the Princess Mary.
[edit] Characteristics of a well-done paraphrase
- It is not a summary.
- It does not contain words or phrases from the original (plagiarism).
- It includes all minor details from original.
- The meaning of the writing being paraphrased is clearer to the reader than in the original text.
- It restates the thesis.
- It is usually as long as, or longer than, the original.
de:Paraphrase (Sprache) eo:Parafrazo it:Parafrasi nl:Parafrase pl:Parafraza sr:Парафразирање sv:Parafras
