HI-LING
LINGUISTICS IN THE HIGH SCHOOL
UNIT 2: VIOLATION OF MAXIMS
Module 12: Forensic Linguistics
Short description
Forensic linguistics is like the detective work of language. It combines language study with crime-solving techniques. Forensic linguists analyze written and spoken language to understand suspects better. This helps in criminal cases and ensures fairness in legal processes. The lessons ahead will dive into forensic phonetics, exploring topics like figuring out who's speaking, comparing voices, and solving crimes. Get ready for exciting cases involving stolen chocolate recipes and secret cheese vaults!
In this lesson, we will focus on the profiling of a speaker. First, a dialectal classification is made to determine approximately which region the speaker comes from. A detailed speaker profile is then created, focusing on the differentiation of linguistic and phonetic characteristics.
In this lesson we are going to look at the comparison of speakers. We will focus on using a program called Praat to make an optimal comparison between two or more voices. We are going to solve the case from the previous lesson, just by the methods of speaker comparison.
In cases where a witness can only hear the perpetrator of a crime without seeing them, police employ a method called a "voice parade" as an investigative tool to identify the suspect in question. The witness is presented with a lineup of voice samples, including a recording of the suspect's voice and samples from individuals chosen by the police (referred to as foil samples) who possess similar voices to the suspect.
The lesson introduces the field of stylometry, which involves studying writing styles and authorship through linguistic and structural features. The basics of stylometry involve analyzing various types of written evidence to identify an author's unique writing style, considering elements such as word choice and sentence structure.
What is the primary purpose of creating a speaker profile in forensic linguistics?
a) To identify the suspect's physical appearance
b) To determine the suspect's DNA
c) To profile an unknown speaker based on phonetic and linguistic features
d) To establish the suspect's alibi
What can linguistic features indicate about a speaker?
a) The speaker's medical history
b) The speaker's average age
c) The speaker's regional or social background
d) The speaker's daily routine
What is the primary goal of forensic speaker comparison in the field of forensic linguistics?
a) Identifying background sounds in audio recordings
b) Matching voice patterns to known speakers
c) Analyzing voice pitch and frequency
d) Comparing two or more recordings to determine if they have the same speaker
Which factors can affect someone's voice or way of speaking, making voice identification challenging?
a) Visual disturbances
b) Weather conditions
c) Emotions like fear, happiness, or stress
d) Background music in audio recordings
What is the most challenging aspect of constructing a voice parade, as mentioned in the paragraph?
a) Creating visual presentations
b) Gathering DNA evidence
c) Determining voice similarity
d) Analyzing the suspect's motive
What does not happen as a consequence when a witness identifies a foil sample as the suspect - makes a false identification?
a) The person who gave the foil sample would not go to prison
b) The witness needs to pay a fine
c) It would help the suspects exoneration
d) The prosecution could not use the voice parade as evidence in court
In plagiarism detection using stylometry, what does the process of authorship attribution involve?
a) Comparing the text to random sources
b) Counting the total words in the text
c) Comparing the text to a known sample of the author's work
d) Analyzing the background sounds in the text
When analyzing a text for authorship attribution, why is the punctuation and grammar usage important?
a) It reveals the author's emotional state
b) It indicates the author's level of education
c) It gives insights into the author's cultural background
d) Proper grammar can indicate a level of education or attention to detail
What is the primary purpose of creating a speaker profile in forensic linguistics?
a) To identify the suspect's physical appearance
b) To determine the suspect's DNA
c) To profile an unknown speaker based on phonetic and linguistic features
d) To establish the suspect's alibi
What is the primary purpose of creating a speaker profile in forensic linguistics?
a) To identify the suspect's physical appearance
b) To determine the suspect's DNA
c) To profile an unknown speaker based on phonetic and linguistic features
d) To establish the suspect's alibi