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Lexical density and readability: A case study of English textbooks
Citation
To, V and Fan, S and Thomas, D, Lexical density and readability: A case study of English textbooks, Internet Journal of Language, Culture and Society, (37) pp. 61-71. ISSN 1327-774X (2013) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright 2013 LSC
Official URL: http://aaref.com.au/en/publications/journal/journa...
Abstract
known as Active Skill for Reading (Anderson, 2003a, 2003b, 2003c, 2003d) at elementary, preintermediate,
intermediate and upper-intermediate levels. The study applied three methods in determining
lexical density and readability as proposed by Halliday (1985), Ure (1971) and Flesch (1948).
The analysis revealed that three of the four reading texts were of high lexical density, apart from the
text for upper-intermediate level. In terms of readability, the levels of texts corresponded to readability
levels. However the highest level did not entail the topmost readability. There was little evidence of an
increase of lexical density and readability in accordance with the increase of text levels as well as little
indication relating to the connections between text levels, readability and lexical density. With reference
to the methods employed, Halliday’s measurement of lexical density - based on the clause - had
a significant correlation with Ure’s measurement, and a medium relation with Flesch’s Reading Ease
Scale, whereas Ure and Flesch’s formulas showed no correlation.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | lexical density, readability, linguistic complexity, reading texts, English textbooks |
Research Division: | Education |
Research Group: | Curriculum and pedagogy |
Research Field: | English and literacy curriculum and pedagogy (excl. LOTE, ESL and TESOL) |
Objective Division: | Education and Training |
Objective Group: | Teaching and curriculum |
Objective Field: | Pedagogy |
UTAS Author: | To, V (Dr Vinh To) |
UTAS Author: | Fan, S (Dr Frances Fan) |
UTAS Author: | Thomas, D (Dr Damon Thomas) |
ID Code: | 85940 |
Year Published: | 2013 |
Deposited By: | Education |
Deposited On: | 2013-08-16 |
Last Modified: | 2014-11-25 |
Downloads: | 874 View Download Statistics |
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