A Study of the Relative Clause as a Modifier in Two Ghanaian Newspapers

Abstract

This article investigates the use of the relative clause as a modifier in two major

Linguistic Complexity and Second Language Advertising Audiences: Is There a Case for Linguistic Exclusion?

“…The study being the first to highlight the relationship between the English language, multilingual Anglophone audiences and public service advertising messages also extends and bridges both communication and linguistics scholarships. In their separate enclaves, communication scholars and linguists have engaged the subject of message characteristics, complexity, and implications for comprehension (see Adedeji, 2015; Adika & Klu, 2014; Bax, 2011; Biber et al., 1998; Guo et al., 2011; Roslow & Nicholls, 1996). Yet, few attempts have been made to draw the interlinkages between the two disciplines.…”

“…While a more local conceptualization of text complexity would be ideal, studies on language comprehension in Ghana have tended to focus on written (rather than spoken) English. For example, while Owu-Ewie (2014) has investigated readability of English textbooks in Ghana’s educational system, Adika and Klu’s (2014) work focuses on the language of two Ghanaian newspapers and its implications for comprehension. While these studies provide precedence, the auditory quality of radio requires that our study interrogates factors hindering listening comprehension rather than reading comprehension.…”

“…There is relative flux in the years-in-school-English proficiency link owing to user motivation and use contexts, among others (Nartey & Ngula, 2014). Indeed, several scholars have documented lapses in the educational system that interfere with the school years-English proficiency link (see Adika & Klu, 2014; Obeng, 1997; Owu-Ewie, 2014).…”