Error Analysis in Two Nigerian Newspapers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explicate the nature of errors shown in two Nigerian newspapers, Punch and Vanguard. For the purpose, the authors of this study first identified errors shown in the newspapers, and then classified them into some categories. Finally, they made an attempt to explain the causes of the errors. In analyzing errors, this study employed theoretical frame works of Corder’s error analysis and Selinker’s interlanguage. Through a qualitative analysis, the authors identified and analyzed twenty-one errors in both newspapers. Some types of errors that were more frequently identified were prepositional errors, capitalization errors, malapropism, and others. It was found that error types in both newspapers were identical, probably because the writers/journalists would experience the same sociolinguistic background and educational system. The errors shown in the two newspapers could be instances of interlanguage transfer or poor knowledge of English grammar rules. The study made some implications for L2 language teaching as the analyzed errors could serve useful resources in terms of curriculum design for educating L2 learners in professional and other language learning situations.