A LEXICO-SYNTACTIC ANALYSIS OF ERRORS IN THREE SELECTED NEWSPAPERS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This research examined a lexico-syntactic analysis of errors in three selected newspapers. The objectives of the study were to investigate the nature and extent of these lexico-syntactic errors in selected newspapers, investigate factors contributing to errors in lexemes and syntax and analyse and discuss the sentence types and their nature as used by the editors and how they help in relating what they have to the readers. The study adopted a descriptive research design and 30 selected captivating write ups from the newspapers were used as sample size. The population of the study consists of the three selected newspaper namely; Daily Sun Newspaper, The Guardian and ThisDay Newspapers. The study is anchored on Pit Corder (1960) Error Analysis. However, the findings of the study reveal that some of the errors identified in the newspapers occurred as a result of wrong transformation or generation of sentences which run contrary to internationally accepted English Language. Again, there was evidence of neglect of one of the major principles of journalism which is copy editing and gate-keeping over the content and presentation of information. The study recommends that curriculum developers should develop a set of error categories based on lexico-syntactic features such as spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, incorrect word usage, punctuation errors, and stylistic inconsistencies to enable editors minimalize errors in newspapers.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.