Session 3, Activity 2 (Spanish)
Activity 2 Spanish – using OMT to clarify the difference between por, para and porque
OMT can help you to learn about word forms other than verbs, such as prepositions and conjunctions. For example, OMT can help you to understand the difference between por, para, and porque in Spanish by selecting the correct preposition or conjunction based on context. OMT can also clarify subtle differences in meaning, for example when to use the word ‘cause’ versus ‘purpose’.
Now follow the four steps below.
Step 1
Identify the difference between por, para, and porque by translating the following sentences into English using OMT:
- Estudio español para viajar por Sudamérica.
- Estudio español para leer novelas de autores hispanoamericanos.
- Estudio español para vivir y trabajar en Madrid.
- Estudio español por mi trabajo.
- Estudio español por mi novio.
- Estudio español por mi familia.
- Estudio español porque quiero viajar a Argentina.
- Estudio español porque mi familia es colombiana.
- Estudio español porque tengo una casa en Málaga.
Step 2
Analyse the translated sentences and identify when each conjunction is used. Are there any patterns?
Step 3
Input the sentences below into OMT for a Spanish translation:
- I am going to the store to buy milk.
- She is studying for her job.
- We cancelled the trip because it was raining.
Step 4
Take the Spanish translations and translate them back into English using OMT. Compare the reverse translations with the original sentences to see how accurately the meanings are preserved. Are there any discrepancies between the original English sentences and the reverse translations? Reflect on why por, para, or porque were used in each case and how they affect the meaning.
Discussion
As this activity demonstrates, using OMT to translate sentences containing conjunctions and prepositions like por, para and porque back and forth between languages reveals the differences in their usage and meaning. This allows you to understand contextual differences and identify correct usage patterns. Overall, it improves your comprehension and translation skills in both languages.
In Spanish, por, para and porque are used in different contexts and have distinct meanings. From the OMT output, you may have deduced that por is often translated as ‘for’, ‘because of’, or ‘by’, and is used to express reasons, duration, and means. It is used to express a cause or a reason. It is followed by a noun. Para in contrast is translated as ‘for’ or ‘to’, and is used to indicate purpose, direction, intention and deadlines. It is followed by an infinitive verb. Finally, porque is translated as ‘because’, and is used to give reasons or explanations. It is followed by a whole sentence.
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