Translation into Spanish (Paper 2)

Introduction to Translation into Spanish (Paper 2)

Welcome! Translation can often feel like the most intimidating part of a language exam, but it is actually a fantastic opportunity to show off what you know. In Paper 2 (Writing) of your AQA AS Spanish course, you are required to translate several sentences from English into Spanish. Unlike the translation in Paper 1 (which is into English), this task tests your ability to produce accurate Spanish grammar and vocabulary under pressure.

Don't worry if you find this challenging at first! With the right strategies and a bit of practice, you can turn this section into a "mark-earner." Let’s break down exactly what you need to do to succeed.

What is the Task?

In the exam, the translation task is worth 15 marks and is found in Paper 2. Here are the key facts you need to know:

• The Format: You will be given a series of sentences in English to translate into Spanish.
• Length: The total translation will amount to at least 70 words.
• The "Helper": A supporting text in Spanish is provided. This text covers the same topic and contains some of the vocabulary and grammatical structures you will need for your translation.
• The Goal: To demonstrate AO3 (Accuracy and Manipulation). This means using the right tenses, correct genders, and appropriate word order.

The Secret Weapon: The Supporting Text

One of the best things about the Paper 2 translation is the supporting text. Before you even look at the English sentences, read the Spanish text provided on the page. It is there to help you!

How to use it:
1. Spot the Vocab: If the English sentence asks you to translate "social media," look at the Spanish text—you’ll likely see las redes sociales written there.
2. Check the Grammar: If you aren't sure whether a noun is masculine or feminine, or which preposition follows a specific verb, the supporting text might have the answer hidden within it.
3. Identify the Theme: The translation will always be based on one of the AS Themes (such as El ciberespacio or La identidad regional). The supporting text helps "warm up" your brain to that specific vocabulary area.

The Syllabus Themes: What to Expect

The translation sentences will always relate to the specific sub-themes you have studied. You won't be asked to translate a random story; it will be about Hispanic society or culture. Keep an eye out for these topics:

Aspects of Hispanic Society:
- Traditional and modern values: Families, marriage, divorce, and the influence of the Church.
- Cyberspace: The influence of the internet, social media, and smartphones.
- Equal rights: Women in the workplace, machismo/feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Artistic Culture in the Hispanic World:
- Modern day idols: Singers, actors, and models.
- Spanish regional identity: Traditions, food, and regional languages (like Catalan or Galician).
- Cultural heritage: Tourism, history (like the Alhambra or Machu Picchu), and art/architecture.

Step-by-Step Translation Strategy

When you sit down to tackle the translation, try this 4-step approach:

Step 1: Read and Analyze
Read the whole English sentence first. What is the main point? What is the "tricky" bit? Identify the tense (is it past, present, or future?) and any pronouns (is it "he," "they," or "it"?).

Step 2: Scavenge the Spanish Text
Look at the supporting Spanish passage. Highlight any words or phrases that appear in the English sentences. This saves you from making "silly" vocabulary errors.

Step 3: Draft Your Translation
Write your Spanish version. Focus on the "bones" of the sentence first (Subject + Verb + Object). For example: "The internet is useful" becomes "Internet es útil."

Step 4: The Fine-Tuning (The "Agreement" Check)
This is where the marks are won or lost. Go back through your Spanish sentences and check:
- Gender: If the noun is feminine (la idea), is the adjective also feminine (buena)?
- Plurals: Did you add an 's' or 'es' where needed?
- Verb Endings: Does the verb match the person who is doing the action?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Trying to be too clever: You don't need to use the most "fancy" word possible. You need to use the correct word. If you forget a complex word, try to find a simpler way to say it that is still grammatically perfect.

2. Forgetting "Personal A": In Spanish, if the direct object of a verb is a specific person or pet, you must use 'a'.
Example: "I see my friend" = "Veo a mi amigo."

3. Literal Translation: English and Spanish often use different word orders. For example, in English we say "The blue house," but in Spanish, it’s "La casa azul." Always remember: Adjectives usually come after the noun.

4. Missing Accents: Accents (tildes) are not optional! They can change the meaning or the tense of a word. For example, hablo means "I speak," but habló means "he/she spoke."

Quick Grammar Review for Paper 2

To get the full 15 marks, you need to show you can handle the grammar listed in the syllabus. Ensure you are comfortable with:

• Ser vs Estar: Use Ser for permanent traits and Estar for locations or temporary states.
• Preterite vs Imperfect: Use Preterite for finished actions (e.g., comió - he ate) and Imperfect for descriptions or ongoing past habits (e.g., comía - he was eating).
• The Passive Voice: AQA often likes to see the "reflexive passive" (using se).
  Example: "Spanish is spoken" = "Se habla español."
• Time Expressions: Know how to use desde hace.
  Example: "I have lived here for two years" = "Vivo aquí desde hace dos años."

Cross-Reference Note

For more specific help on choosing the right tense or dealing with tricky vocabulary, please see the chapters "Tense, mood and register choices" and "Idiom, false friends and set phrases."

Key Takeaways

1. Context is King: Use the supporting Spanish text to find vocabulary and grammatical "clues."
2. Focus on Accuracy: 15 marks are available for manipulating the language correctly—double-check your verb endings and noun-adjective agreements.
3. Stay on Topic: The translation will always relate to the AS Themes (Hispanic society and culture).
4. No Dictionaries: Remember, you cannot use a dictionary or your set-text book during the exam. Practice relying on your own knowledge and the supporting text provided.