INVESTIGATING SUBJECTIVITY IN THE LANGUAGE OF NEWS REPORTING: A CASE STUDY OF PUNCH AND DAILY TRUST NEWSPAPERS.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of subjectivity within the language of news reporting in Nigeria, focusing on a comparative analysis of two prominent newspapers, Punch and Daily Trust. Departing from the ideal of journalistic objectivity, the research examines how subjective language, manifested through evaluative terms, emotional appeals, and rhetorical devices, runs through news discourse and potentially shapes readers' perceptions. Employing a qualitative content analysis of selected political news articles published between January and March 2025, the study identifies specific linguistic features indicative of subjectivity through the lens of Martin & White's (2005) Appraisal framework, broadly categorized into Attitude, Engagement, and Graduation. The findings reveal a complex interplay between these appraisal systems in constructing persuasive narratives, shaping perceptions of political legitimacy and delegitimacy, and influencing public opinion through agenda-setting and emotional manipulation. Comparative analysis highlights variations in the levels and types of subjectivity employed by the two news outlets, reflecting differing editorial policies and potential political leanings. In-depth analysis of specific linguistic features, such as metaphors, modal verbs, hedges, and lexical choices, further illustrate the construction of subjective narratives. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between language, news reporting, and public perception, empowering readers to become more critical and discerning consumers of information
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