Also, a number of frame works will be looked at, with the intention of seeing if the styles of the two newspapers differ more. The frameworks that will be looked at include: The Register,
Discourse structure,
Lexis,
Grammar,
Syntax,
Graphology,
(Pragmatics),
Semantics,
Metaphorical language and typographical features.
Stylistic features will also be looked at will particular reference to features such as alliteration and Metaphors.
The proportion of direct speech compared to the actual report will also be considered.
Relevant Research / Theory
Sara Thorne was the choice of author when performing some background research. Sara seems to have performed an extensive amount of research in this area.
Sara pays particular reference to “the function of newspaper language.”
Sara makes many string points within her book, many of which relate to the investigation I am performing.
“ Originally newspapers were used by governments to prom0ote certain political views. By the nineteenth century, they were used to convey news: while the twentieth-century newspaper now deals as much with entertainment as it does with information.”
“Different types of people buy different newspapers. Broadsheets tend to be associated with the more educated profession, while the tabloids are associated with the traditional working class.”
The Quantitative approach
Total word count – The Independent – 672
Total word count – The Sun – 365
Words per sentence – The Sun
Total number of words – 365
Total number of sentences – 15
Total number of words per sentence – 365/15 = 24
Words per sentence – The Independent
Total number if words – 672
Total number of sentences – 29
Total number of words per sentence – 672/29 = 23
Number Of words with more than three syllables
Word count – Te Independent – 38
Word count – The Sun-15
The Independent – 672/38 = 1 in every 17 words has three syllables
The Sun – 365/15 = 1 in ever 24 words has three syllables
Word Syntax
Methodology
Gathering the data was the first task to be completed. This task simply consisted of gaining two sports reports, one from a broadsheet, and one from a tabloid newspaper. The two reports were then analysed and inspected. This included an extensive amount of counting and “number crunching.” For example,
Frameworks were used to analyse the data collected, with the intention of seeing if the styles of the two newspapers differ in any way. The frameworks that were looked at include:
- Discourse structure was applied to see if either of the two reports deviate from the “norm” with reference to the structure and content of both tabloid and broadsheet sports reports.
- The Lexis of the two pieces