Forensic linguistics
From Free net encyclopedia
Forensic linguistics is the name given to a number of sub-disciplines within applied linguistics, and which relate to the interface between language, the law and crime.
The range of topics within forensic linguistics is diverse but research occurs in the following areas:
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The language of the legal texts
This area includes historical interest such as the effect of Norman French and ecclesiastical Latin on contemporary legal language and also attempts at reform of legal language to assist with its wider understanding.
The language of legal processes
This area would examine courtroom linguistics such as the language of cross-examination and also the effects of interpretation and linguistic vulnerability in the courtroom. Other areas of interest would be investigative interviewing and the language rights of ethnic minorities.
The provision of linguistic evidence
Linguists have provided evidence in:
trade mark disputes,
in disputes of meaning and use
in identifying the author of anonymous texts (such as threatening letters)
in the ethnic origins of asylum seekers
and a number of other areas. Some of the above are more controversial than others.
External links
- Cardiff University's MA (or Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate) in Forensic Linguistics
- This site gives a number of links to a wide variety of forensic linguistic resources
- The website for the International Association for Forensic Phonetics and Acoustics
- Hofstra University's Forensic Linguistics Project
- http://www.thetext.co.uk/
- http://www.iafl.org/