Solving Case Mysteries with Language: The Role of Forensic Linguistics

30 March 2025, Bangkok – Work in Forensic Linguistics involves applying linguistic knowledge to assist in the justice process or legal investigations. Generally, work in this field covers the following aspects:

1. Analysis of Language in Legal Documents
   • Examining meaning, ambiguity, or intent in contracts, wills, or other documents to aid dispute interpretation.
2. Authorship Attribution
   • Analyzing linguistic features such as vocabulary, grammar, or writing style to determine the author of a text, such as threatening letters, emails, or messages in criminal cases.
3. Analysis of Statements or Interviews
   • Reviewing the language used in the statements of witnesses, suspects, or victims to assess credibility, consistency, or signs of deception.
4. Translation and Interpretation of Language in Legal Contexts
   • Assisting in translating documents or speech in cases involving multilingual speakers, and analyzing meanings that may differ across cultural or legal contexts.
5. Analysis of Language in Defamation or Threat Cases
   • Evaluating whether a statement or text intends to defame, threaten, or cause harm under the law.
6. Examination of Forgery or Imitation
   • Comparing linguistic characteristics to determine if a document has been forged or if someone has imitated another’s writing style.
7. Analysis of Tone and Intent in Media
   • Analyzing language use in social media, online messages, or other communications to find evidence in cases, such as incitement or terrorism.
8. Serving as an Expert Witness in Court
   • Forensic linguists may be required to testify in court to explain their analyses and help judges or juries understand linguistic issues.

Forensic Linguistics requires integrating linguistic knowledge (e.g., grammar, semantics, discourse) with an understanding of legal systems and investigative processes. It also demands meticulous analytical skills, as the outcomes can significantly impact case decisions.

SEAProTI’s certified translators, translation certification providers, and certified interpreters:

The Southeast Asian Association of Professional Translators and Interpreters (SEAProTI) has officially announced the criteria and qualifications for individuals to register as “Certified Translators,” “Translation Certification Providers,” and “Certified Interpreters” under the association’s regulations. These guidelines are detailed in Sections 9 and 10 of the Royal Thai Government Gazette, issued by the Secretariat of the Cabinet under the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, dated July 25, 2024, Volume 141, Part 66 Ng, Page 100.

To read the full publication, visit: the Royal Thai Government Gazette