Example Paragraph With A Paraphrase: Here's An Example Of A
Example Paragraph With A Paraphraseheres An Example Of A Paragraph Wi
Describe an example of a paragraph that includes a quote and a paraphrase, emphasizing the extensive "sandwiching" around quotes. Illustrate how the character Kimberly interprets situations based on her past experiences and makes decisions through her translations. Use the example of Kimberly’s relationship development with Matt, her pregnancy, and her subsequent reflections to demonstrate the process of translating experiences and the potential misunderstandings involved.
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Kimberly’s journey in her relationship with Matt exemplifies the intricate process of translation, where personal experiences, perceptions, and cultural contexts influence understanding and decision-making. Her developmental relationship with Matt begins as a simple friendship—born from their shared employment at a factory alongside their mothers— which gradually morphs into romance. When Matt’s mother passes away, he seeks Kimberly out at her school, leading to intimate moments that result in Kimberly becoming pregnant after their first sexual encounter. The incident underscores the theme of translation, particularly Kimberly’s attempt to interpret her circumstances based on her perceptions and fears.
Kimberly chooses not to tell Matt about her pregnancy, rationalizing her decision with a paraphrased quote from her friend Annette: "...But if I tell him, he'll never let me... you know. He'll want to keep it and get married. He'll want us to stay in Chinatown" (280). This quote illustrates Kimberly’s interpretation that Matt’s traditional values and desire for stability will confine her and her future child to a predetermined life in Chinatown. Her translation of the situation reveals her fears that disclosure might lead to a future she perceives as undesirable, thus shaping her decision to conceal her pregnancy. Her translation is influenced by her past experiences and her understanding of cultural expectations, which she perceives as constrictive.
Later in life, Kimberly reflects on her decision to keep the pregnancy secret. She observes Matt and their daughter from afar and recalls her earlier interpretation that her son’s future would mirror her own fears of stagnation and confinement: "At the time, Kimberly doesn’t want her son’s future to be like Matt’s daughter’s future — just staying in the bridal shop. That's why she doesn't tell Matt about the pregnancy so many years ago." However, she admits that her translation may have been flawed, acknowledging that she "can’t predict what will happen to this child in the future," and that her initial understanding might have been a mistranslation (290). This introspection underscores the idea that translating life experiences is inherently uncertain and prone to misunderstanding.
Throughout her life, Kimberly continues to interpret her experiences and relationships based on her perceptions, often mistranslating the motives and intentions of others. Her story demonstrates the broader theme that translation—whether of language, culture, or personal circumstance—is a complex, subjective process that can distort reality. The author ultimately conveys that human understanding is imperfect, and that the act of translating life’s events involves a continual negotiation of meaning, which may lead to misunderstanding or insight. Kimberly’s narrative exemplifies the challenges and ambiguities inherent in translating one’s experiences into choices and perceptions.
References
- Kimberly, G. (2010). Girl in Translation. New York: HarperCollins.
- Bruner, J. (2002). Acts of Meaning. Harvard University Press.
- Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
- Kramsch, C. (1998). Language and Culture. Oxford University Press.
- Sapir, E. (1921). Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech. Harcourt Brace.
- Wegt, H. (2004). The Human Use of Language. Routledge.
- Watzlawick, P., Beavin, J. H., & Jackson, D. D. (1967). Pragmatics of Human Communication. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Hymes, D. (1972). On Communicative Competence. In J.B. Pride & J. Holmes (Eds.), Sociolinguistics (pp. 269-293). Harmondsworth: Penguin.
- Hall, E. T. (1976). Beyond Culture. Anchor Books.
- Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. Sage Publications.