A recent article in The Citizen, a Tanzanian newspaper, highlights the importance of precise language in journalism. The author, Abdi Sultani, discusses common errors in reporting, citing examples from various publications. The article emphasizes the need for journalists to be mindful of verb usage and correct grammatical structures to maintain credibility and trust with their audience. This is particularly crucial in Tanzania, where accurate reporting is essential for informing the public about current events. Effective communication is vital for a journalist.
One specific error mentioned is the use of the word "felt" instead of "fell" in a sentence describing a parliamentary seat vacancy. The article quotes a story about President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan appointing former MP Deogratius Ndejembi as Vice President, with the incorrect phrase "The Chamwino parliamentary seat FELT vacant." The correct verb to use in this context is "fell," as in "The Chamwino parliamentary seat FELL vacant." This correction is essential for conveying the intended meaning accurately. Using the right verb helps to avoid confusion.
Another issue raised is the incorrect use of the word "as" in the phrase "appointed...as Vice President." The author argues that verbs like "appoint," "elect," "name," or "declare" take a bare noun complement for the title or position. Therefore, the correct phrase should be "appointed...Vice President." This grammatical accuracy is crucial for maintaining the integrity of reporting and avoiding confusion among readers. In Tanzania, clear reporting helps to build trust in institutions.
The article also criticizes the use of the word "exercise" as a qualifier to an activity, citing an example from a story about the Commission issuing nomination forms. The author suggests that using "exercise" in this context is unnecessary and redundant, and that simply saying "The nomination will be conducted on October 13" is more effective. This critique highlights the importance of concise language in reporting. Clear and concise reporting enables readers to quickly understand the information being conveyed.
Furthermore, the article points out an example of redundant language in a story about Zanzibar's organic farming initiatives. The author notes that stating "the Zanzibar government...in COLLABORATION with the MINISTRY of Agriculture" is unnecessary, as the ministry is part of the government. A more concise and accurate phrase would be "The Zanzibar government, THROUGH the MINISTRY of Agriculture, is integrating organic farming into long-term development plans." This correction improves the clarity of the report.
The author's critique of grammatical errors and redundant language serves as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail in journalism. By using correct verb forms, avoiding unnecessary qualifiers, and eliminating redundant phrases, journalists can improve the clarity and accuracy of their reporting. This, in turn, helps to build trust with readers and maintain the credibility of the publication. In Tanzania, accurate reporting contributes to an informed public.
Ultimately, the article highlights the need for ongoing education and training in language and grammar for journalists. By refining their command of English and Kiswahili, journalists can effectively inform, educate, and entertain their audience while maintaining their trust and respect. This is particularly crucial in Tanzania, where accurate reporting is essential for promoting understanding and informed decision-making. Journalists must prioritize language accuracy.
Key points
- Journalists must prioritize accurate verb usage and concise language to maintain credibility and trust with their audience.
- Correct grammatical structures are essential for conveying intended meaning accurately in reporting.
- Ongoing education and training in language and grammar are crucial for journalists to refine their skills.
