Global Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Readability Analysis of Nigeria National Daily Newspapers

Adanma Cecilia Eberendu and Eleanor Nitah Muma

Readability describes the ease with which a document can be read and its tests use mathematical formulas to assess the suitability of a document for readers at a particular literacy level. Ten national daily newspapers were collected on the same day (Thursday) and analyzed statistically to determine whether number of pages in a newspaper contributes to the readability level of Nigerian newspapers. Tables were created showing different news bulletins contained in those newspaper. Mclaughlin’s Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG).readability formula used to calculate the readability of these newspapers. It emerged that the readability of these newspaper were high, indicating that readers with lower literacy level will find them difficult to read. The study further showed that newspapers with many pages are easier to read than those with fewer pages. It is also concluded that increase in readability usually leads to improvement in understanding and occasionally in compliance with information disseminated