A study of the role of relative clauses in the simplification of news texts for learners of English

The aim of the current research is to investigate the effects of textual modification upon the distribution of specific linguistic features of news texts when authors adopt an intuitive approach to simplification. The research focuses on the distribution and use of relative clauses (RCs) across three levels of simplification. The analysis of news texts reveals that although many RCs are retained in unmodified form across the levels, RCs are also found to be unique to specific levels, highlighting their role as simplifying devices used to modify lower level texts. Additionally, non-restrictive RCs are systematically omitted from lower level texts, through a process of information reduction. A qualitative analysis provides insights into the intuitive approach to simplification highlighting the effects of information reduction, supply and elaboration upon the distribution and use of RCs in news texts.